Editor’s Note

In this edition of Science Focus, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) showcases a collection of peer-reviewed publications from Quarter 1 (April–June 2025) of the current financial year. A total of 42 articles were published across local and international journals, reflecting the Institute’s broad scientific output.

The Centre for HIV and STIs (CHIVISTI) led the quarter with 12 contributions. Our research focus on HIV/AIDS aligns with South Africa’s intensified efforts to eliminate the disease as a public health threat by 2030. According to the National Department of Health (NDoH), South Africa has reached 96-79-94 on the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. To reach the second 95% – ensuring that 95% of those diagnosed are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) – the country must still reach approximately 1.1 million people who are known to be HIV-positive but are not yet on treatment. The NDoH launched a national campaign in February 2025 to find and support these individuals.

NICD’s research, such as the study led by Dr Nosipho Shangase titled “Pre-exposure prophylaxis persistence at two sites in an integrated primary health care programme in South Africa,” is both timely and relevant. The study analysed PrEP persistence from 2018 to 2022 in two Gauteng facilities and found that most people discontinue PrEP before the second refill. It also showed that individuals over 24 years of age had higher persistence rates than those aged 15–19. The study noted that service delivery factors appear to have a substantial effect on PrEP persistence, concluding that “health facilities should continue to make PrEP accessible by integrating it with existing services to promote persistence.”

We hope you find this edition informative as you engage with the latest research outputs from the NICD community.