SA’s success in HIV treatment means an ageing HIV-positive population is becoming a major health-system challenge. By 2040, more than half of people living with HIV are expected to be aged 50 or older, compared with 30% in 2025. Older people with HIV face increased risks of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Women also face a substantially higher cervical cancer risk because HIV weakens immunity against HPV.
Experts warn that HIV services were not designed for ageing patients with multiple chronic conditions. They call for integrated care, stronger screening and vaccination, and greater use of GPs and nurses to manage older patients. – Business Day (20 September 2026)