Johannesburg – As South Africa marked World AIDS Day, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) South Africa rolled out a series of high-impact community interventions across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, intensifying efforts to close persistent gaps in HIV prevention, testing and treatment.
With South Africa still bearing the world’s largest HIV burden — an estimated 7.8 million people living with HIV — AHF’s World AIDS Day programme focused sharply on populations most at risk, particularly men and adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). The initiatives aligned with the National Department of Health’s 1.1 Million Closing the Gap Campaign and the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, aiming to reach people who remain undiagnosed, untreated or lost to care.
KwaZulu-Natal: Mobile Clinics Bring Men’s Health to the Forefront
In KwaZulu-Natal, AHF partnered with the eThekwini Department of Health and community stakeholders to host a World AIDS Day activation at Glebelands Community Residential Units. The programme prioritised men’s health — a critical challenge in the province where many men access healthcare late, often with severe outcomes.
Through AHF’s Mobile Health Clinic Programme, residents received on-site HIV testing, TB screening, STI services, PrEP initiation and immediate linkage to care. Since its launch in August, the mobile clinics have already expanded access to essential services in Umlazi, Ntuzuma, Lindelani and Glebelands, strengthening early diagnosis and treatment uptake.
Gauteng: Men’s Dialogue Tackles Health-Seeking Barriers
In Dobsonville, Gauteng, AHF and partners hosted a men-focused World AIDS Day dialogue at Kopanong Community Hall, combining HIV services with mental health conversations. The initiative addressed social norms that discourage men from seeking healthcare, a factor linked to higher mortality and morbidity rates.
The programme featured a community awareness walk, interactive discussions and access to HIV testing, PSA screening, STI and IPV screening, ART and PrEP initiation, and broader primary healthcare services. Community-based organisations and men’s forums played a key role in driving participation and trust.
Eastern Cape: Communities Mobilise Against HIV, Teenage Pregnancy and GBV
In the Eastern Cape, AHF’s World AIDS Day activities centred on AGYW in Mnquma, where HIV risk intersects with teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence. The programme combined radio awareness campaigns, door-to-door health services, and a march against GBV and teenage pregnancy, calling for accountability and stronger protection of young people.
Local and provincial partners, including health and social development departments and civil society organisations, joined forces to promote prevention, testing and youth empowerment.
Renewed Commitment to Closing the HIV Gap
AHF South Africa leadership said the World AIDS Day initiatives reaffirm the organisation’s long-term commitment to equitable healthcare access and community-driven HIV responses.
“World AIDS Day reminds us that HIV is still a daily reality for millions,” said Ngaatendwe Murombedzi, AHF’s Regional Policy and Advocacy Manager. “Our focus remains on reaching those most at risk while strengthening early testing, prevention and treatment pathways.”
Country Medical Director Dr Nombuso Madonsela added that combination prevention strategies remain central to reducing new infections and improving treatment outcomes, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Through its multi-provincial campaign, AHF South Africa underscored a clear message: ending HIV requires sustained action beyond World AIDS Day — rooted in community engagement, prevention, and accessible care year-round.
