South African Health Official Supports New HIV Guidelines, Shares Importance of Integrated Care | IAS 2025

Alarice Marsh, M.P.H., a deputy director in the National Department of Health of South Africa and program lead of HIV testing services, shared her thoughts on the new recommendations for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases that were issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) today.

Marsh said the integrated delivery recommendations were a highlight, although some AIDS advocates have expressed integration will weaken services for some of the groups most vulnerable to HIV infection, including men who have sex with men and transgender women.

The WHO recommendations call for services for diabetes, hypertension, mental health and substance abuse to be integrated with HIV services. They also include an update to strategies for supporting people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) so they are more likely to remain adherent.