By Anita Dangazele
Hundreds of Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) members are marching in East London today, calling for six-month antiretroviral (ARV) supplies for stable HIV patients. The march is part of World AIDS Day.
In South Africa, more than two million people with HIV are not on treatment. Some don’t know their status, while others start treatment but stop or struggle to get help from clinics.
TAC National Chairperson Sibongile Tshabalala says public clinics are the biggest problem.
“We leave home early, but spend the whole day waiting. Files get lost, and if we’re late, we are shouted at and sent to the back of the line. If you don’t have a transfer letter, an ID, or you’re part of a key group, you can be refused ARVs altogether,” she said.
TAC wants fewer clinic visits by giving patients more ARVs at a time. Tshabalala said:
“Getting more ARVs at once means fewer trips to the clinic. It will save time and transport money. It will also make clinics less crowded and reduce pressure on healthcare workers.”
TAC Secretary General Anele Yawa added: “We want at least 30% of stable patients to get six months’ supply by June 2025.”
Marchers will gather at Sihlangule Best Bake in Mdantsane before heading to Sisa Dukashe Stadium, where Deputy President Paul Mashatile will address thousands.
Pictured above: Hundreds of TAC members march in East London for longer ARV refills.
Source: Treatment Action Campaign (TAC)
