HIV infections rising among older South Africans, says study

South Africa’s Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has raised alarm over the increasing number of HIV infections among South Africans aged 50 and above, calling attention to an overlooked demographic in the country’s fight against the virus.

A recent study by Wits University’s Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB) revealed that HIV prevalence in this age group stands at 25.6%, with a new infection rate of 0.35 per 100 person-years. Researchers attribute this rise in part to older men engaging in sexual relationships with younger women—often under the “sugar daddy” or “blesser” phenomenon—fueled by socioeconomic imbalances.

“These older men are key transmitters of HIV, but they’ve been largely left out of government programs that focus primarily on women and youth,” said Motsoaledi. “We must shift that focus to include all at-risk groups.”

The health minister also noted a dangerous shift in public perception, where the availability of effective antiretroviral treatment—particularly the once-a-day pill introduced in 2012—has made many feel HIV is no longer a serious threat. As a result, condom use has declined.

SBIMB researcher Dr. Luicer Olubayo criticized South Africa’s national HIV surveys for underrepresenting older adults, noting that misconceptions about older people’s sexual activity have left this group vulnerable and ignored in prevention strategies. She cited factors such as low education levels, stigma, multiple sexual partners, and gender dynamics as contributors to the growing infection rate.

HIV activist Nozibele Mayaba echoed these concerns, warning that public desensitization is weakening the urgency of the HIV response. “Current interventions are too focused on women and children, while many men—especially older ones—remain out of the testing and treatment loop,” she said.

Experts are now urging the government to broaden HIV awareness campaigns and prevention strategies to include older adults, challenging outdated assumptions and addressing the full scope of the epidemic.