Southern African HIV Clinicians Society

17/04/2026

A must-read for anyone working in HIV research and policy. This commentary in The Lancet HIV makes a compelling case for why research in and with South Africa is indispensable to the global HIV response.

Recent changes to US federal funding policies have reinstated mechanisms for submitting foreign research component grants following a prolonged period of uncertainty. However, despite the absence of any formal country-level restrictions, investigators continue to report being informally advised that...

16/04/2026

We're thrilled to welcome Professor Saiqa Mullick to the 3rd Long-Acting Treatment and Prevention Conference. Join us on 15 September 2026 in Johannesburg to hear her insights on the future of HIV prevention in Africa.

Don't miss out - take advantage of our early bird offer and register today at

https://sahivsoc.org/Subheader/Index/conference---the-future-of-arvs-in-africa

Wits RHI

15/04/2026

Ready to elevate your HIV practice? The SAHCS Advanced HIV Management Course provides doctors with regional knowledge, clinical expertise, and 30 CPD points to help them stay ahead. Self-paced and Expert-developed.

For more info and to register, go here: https://lnkd.in/dPRSNE58

13/04/2026

Join our next CME webinar exploring the intersection of HIV and cardiovascular health. This session will cover emerging evidence on statin use, renal complications following ART initiation, and the role of sleep in long-term outcomes for people living with HIV. Drawing on recent research and clinical experience, the webinar will provide practical, context-relevant guidance to support integrated, patient-centred HIV care in South Africa.

Register:
Date: Thursday, 16 April 2026 from 17h30 to 19h30 (SAST) (LIVE WEBINAR) Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ql2CJAYWSf-jCMFwsxZ5pQ
Date: Tuesday, 21 April 2026 from 13h00 to 15h00 (SAST) (PRE-RECORDED WEBINAR) Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dV6XxYlBQEKPRCbgoeqC9g

09/04/2026

This article highlights an evolving conversation in HIV care, with increasing attention on long-term challenges like weight gain, metabolic disease, and chronic inflammation. It explores the potential of GLP-1 medicines like semaglutide to support not only weight loss, but broader cardiometabolic health. While the promise is significant, evidence is still emerging, and access remains a key barrier in South Africa.

In part 3 of a Spotlight special series on the role of new weight loss medicines like Ozempic in South Africa, we ask what these breakthrough jabs might mean for people living with HIV in the country. There is some tantalising early research on potential benefits, but also many uncertainties. Cather...

08/04/2026

For the first time, population-level evidence from South Africa shows that a national, school-based HPV vaccination programme is delivering strong protection, including for girls living with .

- An 80%+ reduction in HPV 16/18 infections following vaccination
- A dramatic drop in prevalence among girls living with HIV (from ~29% to ~4%)
- Comparable levels of protection in girls with and without HIV

Early, school-based HPV vaccination works. Read the full article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214109X2500525X

07/04/2026

: In a world of rapid change, one thing remains constant: science saves lives. But only when it reaches the people who need it most.

At SAHCS, we stand with science to advance HIV prevention, treatment, and care, equipping healthcare workers with the knowledge they need to transform patient lives.

Together we can make a difference. Learn more at https://sahivsoc.org/

02/04/2026

SAHCS has published its 2026 update to induction treatment for cryptococcal meningitis in people living with HIV.

Key change: Single-dose liposomal amphotericin B (10 mg/kg) + flucytosine + fluconazole 1200 mg/day is now the preferred first-line regimen, aligned with WHO 2022 and SA Standard Treatment Guidelines 2024.

Backed by the AMBITION-cm RCT (n=844): non-inferior survival with fewer serious adverse events.

The algorithm also covers CrAg screening, lumbar puncture, and ART timing. See the full guideline here:https://sahivsoc.org/Files/SAHCS%20crytococcal%20meningitis%20guideline%20update%202026.pdf

01/04/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard!

Serge Kalenga, Kwanele Mathandela, Mmakgabo Madisa, Lutah Bezi, Maria Shivute, Fhulufhelo Nemaangani, Wandile Mkhatshwa, Boitumelo Boity Seitlhobogeng II, Jama Ka Sjadu IV, Eshetu Tamirat, Annah Dineo Malaka, Mafiswana Mafi, Sandra Shibambu, Shane Thubudi, Francinah Tsoako, Tanita van Niekerk, Putri Ayida, Funzani Muleya, Zim Hondo

01/04/2026

Registration is now open for the 3rd Southern African HIV Clinicians Society Long-Acting HIV Treatment and Prevention Conference: 'The Future of Antiretrovirals in Africa: Long-Acting Agents and Beyond'.

Chaired by Dr Sheetal Kassim and Ms Rutendo Bothma, the conference will take place on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, at the Maslow Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg.

This full-day CPD-accredited conference will provide attendees with up-to-date knowledge and clinical skills for patient treatment, care and support in the context of long-acting antiretrovirals.

For the detailed programme, more information, and to register, go here: https://sahivsoc.org/Subheader/Index/conference---the-future-of-arvs-in-africa

30/03/2026

Globally, testing and diagnosis for hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) remain low, with significant barriers to effective linkage to care. This publication presents the World Health Organization (WHO) consolidated guidance on the prevention, testing, treatment, service delivery, and monitoring of HBV and HCV.

Access the full guideline here:https://sahivsoc.org/Files/9789240119529-eng.pdf

25/03/2026

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued, for the first time, recommendations on new near-point-of-care (NPOC) molecular tests for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB); easy-to-collect tongue swab samples to simplify and expand access to testing; and a cost-saving sputum pooling strategy to increase testing efficiency for TB and rifampicin-resistant TB.

The new guidelines recommend:
* A new class of near-point-of-care nucleic acid amplification tests (NPOC-NAATs) for the initial detection of TB without rifampicin resistance at peripheral levels of the health system (i.e., peripheral laboratories, primary healthcare centres and communities) and at lower unit costs than other molecular test and instrument types;
* Tongue swabs as new, readily available and easy-to-collect specimens for use with NPOC-NAATs and low-complexity automated NAATs (LC-aNAATs) for the initial detection of TB with and without rifampicin resistance among adults and adolescents that are unable to produce sputum; and
* Pooling of sputa as a diagnostic strategy for the initial detection of TB and rifampicin resistance using LC-aNAATs with the potential to improve turnaround times and costs when resources are constrained.

New WHO recommendations on new near-point-of-care (NPOC) molecular tests for the diagnosis of TB; easy-to-collect tongue swab samples to simplify and expand access to testing for TB and rifampicin-resistant TB; and a cost-saving sputum pooling strategy to increase testing efficiency. These 3 new rec...