More than 520,000 people in South Africa have started antiretroviral treatment under the government’s Close the Gap campaign, marking a major step toward ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi shared the milestone during a national briefing on the country’s HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis response. The campaign aims to meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which call for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those to be on treatment, and 95% of treated individuals to achieve viral suppression.
“South Africa has 7.9 million people estimated to be living with HIV. Currently, we are at 96% diagnosed, 79% on treatment, and 94% virally suppressed,” said Motsoaledi. “Our biggest challenge now is getting more people onto treatment.”
To bridge that gap, the department identified 1.1 million people who are aware of their HIV status but have not yet begun antiretroviral therapy. With a campaign budget of R659 million, the government initially aimed to reach 100,000 people at this stage — a target that has already been exceeded fivefold.
“We’ve reached 520,700 individuals — men, women, and children — and initiated them on treatment,” the Minister reported. “This is more than 50% of our goal for the entire campaign.”
He attributed the success to rigorous weekly coordination with provinces, which helps track new patients and those returning to care. Motsoaledi also acknowledged the vital role of civil society in reaching communities and raising awareness.
Provincial roadshows have been launched to further mobilize local AIDS councils, traditional leaders, and civil society groups. Targets have been set for every province, district, and healthcare facility.
South Africa’s supply of ARVs remains stable, thanks in part to 90% of procurement being covered by the government, with an additional R1 billion pledged by the Global Fund to support stock continuity.
Motsoaledi addressed concerns about funding cuts from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), valued at R7.9 billion. He firmly assured the public: “We will not allow the incredible progress of the past 15 years to be undone.”