This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
On December 1, 2019, South Africa marked World AIDS Day by launching a cutting-edge HIV treatment, touted as the fastest way to reduce HIV viral load.
The new anti-retroviral drug, known as TLD, is a three-in-one pill that combines tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamivudine, and dolutegravir. Developed with the financial backing of Unitaid, a global health development organisation, TLD is designed to make HIV treatment more accessible and affordable for those in need.
According to Unitaid 's Director of Operations, Robert Matiru, TLD is highly effective, with rapid viral suppression and fewer side effects compared to current treatment regimens.
The fixed-dose combination pill is expected to make it easier and more affordable for individuals to begin and stay on treatment. With a starting price of USD75 per person per year, Unitaid estimates that up to five million more people could receive treatment, creating significant savings.
South Africa, which accounts for over 10 percent of all HIV-related deaths and 15 percent of new infections, has the world's largest HIV treatment programme, delivering anti-retroviral treatment to some 4.8 million people. However, at least 7.7 million South Africans are living with HIV, with the highest prevalence among adults aged 15 to 49 years.
