Hhukwini – The National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA) national executive director, Dr. Nondumiso Nxube, said that the Hhohho region continues to carry too much weight concerning the HIV/AIDS fight compared to other regions.
Dr. Nxube revealed that 21% of Hhohho inhabitants aged 15–49 are living with HIV, with women much more afflicted than men.
“Among adults aged 15–49, 28% of females are living with HIV, compared to 19% of males,” she reported.
“This is driven by gender-based violence, poverty, and other social vulnerabilities affecting women.”
She added that infections among adolescents and young adults (ages 15–24) stand at 5.96%, a figure she described as still concerning but showing encouraging signs of decline. Despite the high prevalence, Dr. Nxube praised residents for their commitment to treatment.
“The region may have high infection numbers, but our people are playing a critical role in fighting the disease. They take their medication consistently,” she said.
Current treatment statistics show that 35,000 adults and 1,251 children in the region are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ARVs). Dr. Nxube also raised concern over the 2,800 HIV-related deaths recorded in 2024, describing the figure as alarming.
“This shows that many people present late for treatment or delay taking their medication,” she said.
Dr. Nxube highlighted major barriers that continue to undermine treatment adherence, including long distances to clinics and hospitals, poverty and food insecurity, unemployment, which currently affects 26% of the country’s population, social stigma, and discrimination.
These challenges, she said, prevent many from accessing regular healthcare and maintaining consistent treatment. Hhohho Regional Administrator Princess Tsandzile also appealed to communities to support one another and reject stigma.
“We need unity and support. Let us not discriminate against each other. Everyone has a role in ending HIV/AIDS,” the administrator said.
Discussion about this post