A South African scientist, Professor Tulio de Oliveira, has said that major advances in HIV prevention and treatment are bringing the world closer to a future where the virus is no longer a major public health threat.
Speaking after receiving the Order of Mapungubwe in Gold, South Africa’s highest civilian honour, De Oliveira highlighted a breakthrough HIV prevention injection that he said provides 100% protection against HIV infection for six months.
The scientist, whose work in genomic surveillance helped the world respond to COVID-19, said the latest advances represent a significant step forward in the fight against HIV.
HIV prevention injection offers six months of protection
De Oliveira said that one of the most important recent developments is a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) injection that protects people from acquiring HIV for up to six months.
“That is 100% protection for six months,” he said, adding that there are reasons to believe the protection could potentially last even longer.
According to De Oliveira, the rollout has already begun and is initially targeting groups most at risk of HIV infection, including young women and men who have sex with men.
He described the development as one of several breakthroughs that have changed the outlook for people affected by HIV.
Long-acting treatment could replace daily pills
De Oliveira also revealed that the same therapy is now being evaluated as a long-acting treatment for people already living with HIV.
He said that researchers are studying a six-month injection that could suppress the virus and eliminate the need for daily medication.
“That would then avoid people needing to have daily pills,” he said.
While there is still no cure for HIV, De Oliveira said treatment has improved dramatically over the years and now allows many people living with the virus to lead normal lives.
“We’re gonna get to a level where HIV treatment is an easy process,” he said. “That lets people live a completely normal and healthy life.”
Reflecting on receiving the Order of Mapungubwe in Gold, De Oliveira said the award was not only a personal achievement but also recognition of the role science plays in South African society.
He noted that the honour is rarely awarded and said it was particularly significant that two living scientists, including Professor Salim Abdool Karim, received the recognition.
The scientist also pointed to South Africa’s history of medical innovation, arguing that the country consistently exceeds expectations on the global scientific stage.
“South Africa really punches above its weight on science,” he said.
De Oliveira said one of the most encouraging developments is growing interest among young South Africans in scientific careers.
He said there is increasing excitement about using science to tackle some of the country’s biggest challenges and build on South Africa’s international reputation for medical research and innovation.
For De Oliveira, the latest HIV breakthroughs and the recognition of South African scientists are part of the same story: using science to save lives and solve problems.