Search
  1. Home
  2. Southern Africa
  3. South Africa
  • News

AIDS managed as a chronic illness

    JOHANNESBURG

    South African medical group Qualsa Healthcare on Thursday said more emphasis had to be placed on inexpensive methods of combating HIV/AIDS.

    "While it must be acknowledged that antiretrovirals have revolutionised the management of the pandemic, there are a number of less expensive measures that can be taken to prolong the lives of those infected," McDonald told the UN news service PlusNews.

    McDonald said lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and alcohol, and a regular exercise programme can help slow the course of the virus.

    "Antiretrovirals should only be administered in advanced disease when the immune system has been severely weakened," McDonald added.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

    Share this article

    Our ability to deliver compelling, field-based reporting on humanitarian crises rests on a few key principles: deep expertise, an unwavering commitment to amplifying affected voices, and a belief in the power of independent journalism to drive real change.

    We need your help to sustain and expand our work. Your donation will support our unique approach to journalism, helping fund everything from field-based investigations to the innovative storytelling that ensures marginalised voices are heard.

    Please consider joining our membership programme. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact on how the world responds to crises.

    Become a member of The New Humanitarian

    Support our journalism and become more involved in our community. Help us deliver informative, accessible, independent journalism that you can trust and provides accountability to the millions of people affected by crises worldwide.

    Join