ZASouth Africa has released its first clinical guidelines aimed at improving the health and longevity of older adults living with HIV. These guidelines, developed by the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society and published in the Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, address the growing challenge of an aging HIV-positive population. With approximately 1.9 million people over 50 living with HIV in 2025, up from 800,000 in 2015, the need for specialized care has become urgent. The guidelines emphasize preserving 'health span' rather than just extending lifespan, acknowledging that while antiretroviral therapy has significantly improved survival rates, it has also led to new challenges such as comorbidities and reduced quality of life. Experts note that older individuals with HIV experience about 16 fewer years of good health compared to those without HIV, highlighting the importance of integrated care approaches.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of the issue, focusing on medical and demographic data without overtly promoting any political agenda. It discusses both the successes of antiretroviral treatment and the emerging challenges faced by older HIV-positive individuals, citing expert opinions and
