HIV in South Africa: Know Your Status, Change the Story
8.2 million South Africans live with HIV. With treatment from your doctor, people with HIV live long, healthy lives and cannot transmit the virus sexually. That fact changes everything. But it starts with testing.
living with HIV
How common is HIV in South Africa?
The most important fact about HIV in 2026
When a person living with HIV takes their treatment consistently and maintains an undetectable viral load, they cannot sexually transmit HIV to their partners. This is not theory. It is backed by the PARTNER, PARTNER2, and HPTN 052 studies involving tens of thousands of couples. Zero transmissions from partners with undetectable viral loads.
Does HIV have symptoms?
HIV is often called "the great imitator" because early symptoms mimic the flu and then disappear completely. Most people living with HIV feel perfectly healthy for years. The only way to know is to test.
"The patients I worry about most are the ones who have never tested. People on treatment do brilliantly. They live normal lives. They cannot transmit the virus. The only barrier is that first test. And at R168, there is no reason not to know your status."Dr. Samantha Naidoo, MB ChB, FCP (SA), Medical Director, Epicentre
What happens if HIV goes untreated?
Untreated HIV follows a predictable path over 8-10 years. Treatment at any stage can halt and reverse this progression.
Can HIV be prevented?
Yes. Beyond condoms, there are medical prevention tools available from your GP or public clinic. Epicentre provides the testing; your doctor provides the prevention.
Where can I get an HIV test in South Africa without a referral?
Epicentre uses 4th-generation ELISA testing, which detects both HIV antibodies and p24 antigen. This catches HIV earlier than standard antibody-only tests. Testing window: 2-4 weeks after exposure. Conclusive at 3 months.
HIV Screening
4th-generation ELISA. Detects HIV-1, HIV-2, and p24 antigen. Blood draw. Results in 2-5 days.
Express STI (5-in-1 blood panel)
HIV + syphilis + chlamydia Ab + hepatitis B + herpes IgM. Fastest results: 24hr urgent available.
Medium PCR + HIV (9 pathogens + HIV)
Add HIV screening to any PCR package. Ask at the lab or when booking online. Covers all common STIs plus HIV.
HIV: Your Questions Answered
What does U=U mean?
Undetectable = Untransmittable. A person on treatment with an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV. This is proven by multiple large clinical trials involving tens of thousands of couples with zero transmissions.
How soon after exposure can I test?
2-4 weeks with Epicentre's 4th-gen ELISA (detects antibodies + p24 antigen). A negative test at 3 months is considered conclusive. Rapid antibody-only tests need longer.
Is HIV curable?
Not yet. But treatment prescribed by your doctor suppresses the virus to undetectable levels. People on treatment live normal lifespans, have healthy relationships, and cannot transmit HIV sexually.
Can I get PrEP or PEP from Epicentre?
No. Epicentre provides HIV testing, not treatment or prevention prescriptions. PrEP and PEP are available from your GP, public clinics, or organisations like Anova Health. We can test your HIV status before you start PrEP or after completing PEP.
Do other STIs affect HIV risk?
Yes, significantly. Untreated gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, or herpes make you 2-10× more likely to contract or transmit HIV. Testing for and treating other STIs is also an HIV prevention strategy. View all STI packages →
Is the test confidential?
Completely. Password-protected portal. Anonymous testing available (use a pseudonym). No medical aid notification unless you request it. LGBTQIA+ inclusive.
How much does HIV testing cost?
HIV Screening: R168. Express STI (includes HIV): R1,076. Add HIV to any PCR package on request. Students 10% off. Payflex 4× interest-free. View all packages →
Other infections in this guide
Know Your Status. It Changes Everything.
A simple blood test. R168. Confidential. Anonymous if you prefer. The most important 5 minutes of your year.
