Department of Health officials visit Soweto
The launch was in collaboration with the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and other stakeholders in the health sector.
The Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motswaledi, deputy health minister Dr Joe Phaahle and Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo conducted a walk-about at Lillian Ngoyi Community Health Centre in Diepkloof on February 25.
The walk-about is ahead of the #CloseTheGap campaign to enroll 1.1 million people on life-saving HIV treatment by December 2025.
The launch was in collaboration with the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and other stakeholders in the health sector.
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It is part of the country`s ongoing interventions to enhance life-saving HIV treatment to ensure that 95% of people diagnosed with HIV receive and adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART) to achieve viral suppression.
Speaking at the launch, MEC Nomantu Nkomo said, “As the Gauteng province, we currently have 326 people who fall short of meeting the second 95% target.
“It is not incidental that we chose to launch this campaign in the Johannesburg district. We have 141 215 people diagnosed but are not on treatment. This is where we draw the battle line!
“Our challenge lies in ensuring more people diagnosed with HIV are initiated to and retained on ART. That is why this campaign is urgent and necessary.”
She added that 16 mobile clinics distributed in the district are not just vehicles but lifelines that will reach the most remote and underserved areas, ensuring HIV testing, treatment, and care services are accessible to all.
“We are also activating our ward-based outreach teams. These teams will go into hostels, informal settlements, farms, and high-density areas, ensuring no one gets left behind.
“Through our Youth Zones in clinics, we are providing counselling, education, and prevention strategies to ensure young people stay HIV-free or adhere to treatment if diagnosed.
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“Gauteng is South Africa’s economic hub, meaning people move in and out of the province daily.
“This presents a challenge in tracking and retaining patients on treatment, but we will not let that deter us.
“Our multi-pronged approach, including mobile clinics, outreach teams, and community mobilisation, will ensure we find them, treat them, and keep them on treatment.”
