89% of people know their HIV status - WCDoH&W on World Aids Day

Over 111,000 people living with HIV in the Western Cape have not accessed care in the past two years, according to the Provincial Health Data Centre. Monday marked world Aids Day under the global theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.''

According to UNAIDS, 40.8 million people are living with HIV worldwide, 1.3 million new infections occurred in 2024, and 9.2 million people are still not accessing treatment.

PICTURE: Pixabay

South Africa has made progress, but gaps remain. In the Western Cape, 89% of people know their HIV status, 73% are on treatment, and 84% of those on treatment are virally suppressed, as the Department of Health aims to ‘Close the Gap’, which aims to re-engage thousands of people who have stopped HIV or TB treatment. 

“Closing the gap is our commitment to meet people with dignity, offer support without judgment, and make every step of the care journey as welcoming as possible,’’ said Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC.

The City of Cape Town says more than 90 000 people receive Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) at its Health facilities - nearly 50 000 through the ART Club system. By June 2026, 58% of ART patients at City facilities will be accessing services at a site offering Six-Month Multi-Month Dispensing

MMC for Community Services & Health, Francine Higham, said preventing new HIV infections remains a priority.

‘’The City continues to provide oral Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and looking ahead, the introduction of the six-monthly injectable PrEP Lenacapavir at selected facilities next year will offer an additional, long-acting prevention option to help curb new infections,’’ she said.

At the end of June 2024, City clinics had 37 357 clients remaining on PrEP; that figure increased to 51 277 by June 2025.

‘’As we commemorate World AIDS Day, the City reaffirms its commitment to supporting resilient health services, empowering communities, and ensuring that every person living with HIV can access the treatment, care and dignity they deserve. The City also extends sincere thanks to all staff working across its HIV programme, including their work and dedication to the National Close the Gap Campaign,’’ said Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says government is committed to improving treatment outcomes, especially for children receiving newer TB regimens, including a shorter four-month course. Commemorating World Aids Day in Limpopo, Mashatile marked 20 years since the introduction of life-saving ARVs, which have dramatically reduced HIV mortality and vertical transmission. He also noted South Africa’s role in the Global Fund Aid Replenishment Summit alongside the UK.

Speaking in his capacity as the chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council, Mashatile said South Africa will begin administering a groundbreaking new HIV-prevention injection in the drug's first public rollouts in Africa.  Lenacapavir, taken twice a year, has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 per cent, making it functionally akin to a potent vaccine.

Mashatile described Lenacapavir as not merely a scientific breakthrough, but “a symbol of what becomes possible when science, political will, and community demand meet at the same table”. He noted that the drug holds profound promise for young women and girls who often cannot negotiate condom use.

“It empowers adolescent girls navigating relationships marked by power imbalances. It provides protection for key populations who face stigma and discrimination. It supports workers and learners who struggle with the burden of daily pill adherence,” Mashatile said.

COURTESY: X - @PMashatile

Despite South Africa surpassing the first and third UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, challenges remain in ensuring that people who are diagnosed begin and stay on treatment.  The UNAIDS 95-95-95 target aims for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to be on sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on ART to have a suppressed viral load. The country's current progress stands at 96-80-97, compared to global figures of 95-85-92.

To address the treatment–initiation gap, Mashatile highlighted the national recovery initiative launched on 25 February 2025—the 1.1 million “Close the Gap” Treatment Acceleration Campaign.

“To close the 1.1 million gap and prepare for long-acting prevention, we must critically examine our efforts towards marginalised communities and our willingness to embrace new scientific advancements,” he said.

Mashatile also welcomed the rollout of the Six-Month Multi-Month Dispensing model, introduced by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. This model allows stable patients to collect a six-month supply of ARVs in a single visit, reducing travel costs, decongesting clinics, and improving treatment adherence.

 

Done By: Mitchum George