Johannesburg – The South African government, in partnership with World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, and other stakeholders, on February 25, 2025, launched the “Closing 1.1 Million HIV Treatment Gap Campaign” to accelerate efforts toward achieving the 95-95-95 HIV targets. The campaign seeks to identify and support the 1.1 million people living with HIV who know their status but are not yet on treatment, addressing a critical gap in the country’s HIV response.

Launching the campaign at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, underscored the urgency of closing the treatment gap and ensuring that no one is left behind in South Africa’s HIV response.

“South Africa has made significant progress in expanding HIV treatment, but we must acknowledge the reality that 1.1 million people who know their status are not yet receiving care. This campaign is a national priority, and together, we will change this reality. We are committed to strengthening our healthcare system and working with our partners to ensure that everyone who needs treatment receives it”, says Dr Motsoaledi.

Ms. Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, Gauteng MEC for Health, echoed this commitment, emphasizing the importance of ensuring equitable access to lifesaving antiretroviral therapy (ART). “This campaign is about restoring hope and ensuring that every individual living with HIV receives the treatment they need. We cannot afford to leave 1.1 million people behind. Our message is clear treatment saves lives, and every person deserves a chance at a healthy future. As a province, we will intensify our efforts to bring services closer to the people and address the barriers preventing individuals from accessing care.” Ms. Nkomo-Ralehoko said.

The 1.1 million individuals not yet on treatment or who disengaged from treatment represent a significant challenge in achieving the second 95% of the 95-95-95 strategy—ensuring that 95% of all people diagnosed with HIV are initiated on ART. Without this milestone, the third 95%—achieving viral suppression—will remain unattainable.

Dr Joseph Kibachio Mwangi, WHO South Africa’s medical advisor for communicable and non-communicable disease lead, highlighted the need for urgent action and reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting the government in its efforts.

“We are at a crossroads. We know who these individuals are, but we are not reaching them effectively. Without closing this gap, we cannot even begin to focus on viral suppression. WHO remains committed to supporting the government in tracing these individuals and ensuring they are linked to care”, said Dr Mwangi.

The campaign prioritizes men, youth, and children, who are disproportionately affected by treatment initiation and/or disengagement and barriers to healthcare access. Addressing these disparities, Dr Mwangi emphasized, “We are supporting the Men’s Programme because men must take leadership in their health and their families. By making healthcare facilities more accessible and integrating services for HIV, TB, diabetes, hypertension, and mental health, we can ensure comprehensive care for those who need it”.

Beyond increasing treatment access, the 1.1 Million individuals closing the ART gap  Campaign emphasizes the importance of HIV prevention. This includes ensuring that HIV-negative individuals remain negative and promoting treatment as prevention where individuals on ART achieve viral suppression and can no longer transmit the virus.

In addition, , Ms. Anne Githuku-Shongwe, UNAIDS Regional Director, reiterated that the campaign’s success depended on multi-sectoral collaboration, involving government agencies, civil society, and the private sector. She also reaffirmed the commitment of international partners in supporting South Africa’s HIV response.

“Achieving the 95-95-95 targets requires a unified effort. We must work together to ensure every individual diagnosed with HIV receives the care they need. The collaboration between the government, WHO, UNAIDS, and local partners is a step in the right direction, and we remain committed to supporting this effort”, Ms. Githuku-Shongwe noted.

The Closing 1.1 Million HIV Treatment Gap Campaign represents a renewed commitment to closing the treatment gap, reducing new infections, and ultimately ending the HIV epidemic in South Africa. In addition to government officials and international organizations, the launch event was attended by representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), community leaders, and healthcare workers, all of whom play a critical role in ensuring the success of the campaign.