By Anita Dangazele
Scores of Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) members marched to the World AIDS Day celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Sunday to demand six-month antiretroviral (ARV) supplies for stable HIV patients.
This year’s theme, “Putting People First,” highlights the importance of prioritising those affected by HIV.
TAC National Chairperson Sibongile Tshabalala said the march aimed to reduce the number of clinic visits for people with HIV and ease overcrowding at public health clinics.
“The main reason people stop taking treatment is the poor service at clinics,” she said. “We leave home early but spend the whole day waiting. Files get lost, and we’re shouted at if we’re late. If you don’t have a transfer letter, ID, or belong to a key group, you may even be refused ARVs.”
Bellinda Setshogelo, a TAC member, read the memorandum, calling for stable patients to receive six months’ worth of ARVs at once.
“This would help people stay on treatment, save money on travel, reduce clinic congestion and waiting times, and lessen the workload for healthcare workers,” she said.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane signed and accepted the memorandum.
Motsoaledi supported the demands, saying: “These demands make sense and benefit the entire country. They address obstacles to achieving the 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people knowing their status, 95% of those on treatment, and 95% of treated patients being virally suppressed. While the first 95% is at 96%, the second is lagging at 79%, holding back the final target, currently at 94%.”
Mashatile assured the group that by January 2025, stable HIV patients will receive a six-month supply of ARVs.
Pictured above: Hundreds of TAC members march in East London for longer ARV refills.
Source: Treatment Action Campaign
