By Noko Mashilo
The Provincial Close The Gap HIV Treatment Roadshow officially kicked off in Rustenburg, marking a pivotal moment in South Africa’s ongoing fight against HIV. The two-day event brings together key stakeholders to review progress and align provincial implementation efforts with the national Close The Gap campaign, launched by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi on 25 February 2025.
This high-level gathering unites government officials, healthcare professionals, civil society representatives, and community leaders to assess achievements and address challenges in accelerating HIV treatment coverage and improving patient outcomes. Central to the discussions are the campaign’s five strategic pillars: Stakeholder and Social Mobilisation, Service Delivery and Quality Improvement, Communication, Resource Mobilisation, and Monitoring and Evaluation.
Day one of the roadshow is dedicated to internal stakeholders from the Department of Health across all levels like national, provincial, district, and sub-district. Participants include Deputy Director-Generals, Chief Directors, Programme Managers (HAST), as well as teams from Communications, District Health Services, TB, Finance, Monitoring and Evaluation/Strategic Information, and Pharmacy.
Day two expands the dialogue to include external stakeholders, bringing together representatives from both the Provincial and National Departments of Health with civil society, SANAC sectors, local AIDS Councils, development partners, other government departments, and the private sector. This inclusive approach aims to strengthen multi-sectoral coordination and collective accountability in the HIV response.
The roadshow comes at a critical time for the province, which currently has 53,146 people living with HIV (PLHIV) who have disengaged from antiretroviral therapy (ART). The campaign seeks to re-engage these individuals in care, reduce new infections, and ensure long-term viral suppression through a unified and intensified effort.
