Johannesburg, South Africa – 14 September 2025 – Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), has called for urgent and decisive action to close the HIV treatment gap in South Africa. Speaking at the official opening of the 12th South African AIDS Conference, Mashatile stressed the need to reach millions of people living with HIV who remain outside of the formal healthcare system.

Closing the Gap in HIV Treatment Access

The Deputy President’s keynote address centered on the national “Close the Gap, Start and Stay on HIV Treatment” campaign, launched earlier this year in February 2025 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. The campaign seeks to identify and support 1.1 million people living with HIV who are not currently on antiretroviral treatment (ART). This includes individuals who were never initiated on treatment as well as those who may have fallen out of care.

“We cannot afford to leave anyone behind,” Mashatile declared. “Every person living with HIV deserves access to treatment, support, and dignity.”

While South Africa has made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV, there remain critical gaps. Currently, 96% of people living with HIV know their status, and 97% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression. However, only 78% of diagnosed individuals are on sustained treatment.

“This is not just a statistic—it’s a call to action,” Mashatile said. “We must do more to ensure that those diagnosed are not lost in the system.”

Campaign Progress in Gauteng

Gauteng Province has already demonstrated encouraging progress since the campaign’s launch. By August 2025, 153,124 individuals had returned to care, initiating or reinitiating ART. This represents 47% of the province’s target of 325,848 individuals.

At a district level, progress varied:

• West Rand achieved 71% of its target.

• Sedibeng followed closely with 68%.

• Tshwane reached 56%.

• Ekurhuleni stood at 52%.

• Johannesburg, the largest metropolitan area, achieved 35%.

These figures highlight both the successes and the gaps that require intensified focus in the months ahead.

Community-Led Healthcare Responses

Deputy President Mashatile emphasized the need to move beyond clinic-based healthcare models. He called for community-led responses that prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and the elimination of stigma.

“We must empower communities to lead the response. Healthcare must be accessible, welcoming, and free from stigma,” he said.

Education, local leadership, and sustained support systems were highlighted as crucial in ensuring long-term treatment adherence and success in curbing new HIV infections.

Integration with TB Screening and Public Health Goals

The Deputy President also drew attention to the End TB Campaign, which complements the HIV initiative. The campaign aims to screen five million South Africans for tuberculosis during the 2025/26 financial year.

Both the HIV and TB initiatives form part of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs, which sets ambitious goals for reducing infections and improving health outcomes nationwide.

A Response Rooted in Humanity

In his closing remarks, Mashatile reminded delegates that the statistics discussed represent real people whose lives depend on effective interventions.

“Let us never forget that every number represents a life. Our response must be driven by humanity,” he concluded.