• About
Thursday, June 5, 2025
iReport South Africa
  • Home
  • Latest News
  • Politics
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Lifestyle
  • Crime
  • SPORTS
  • IREPORT TV
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Latest News
  • Politics
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Lifestyle
  • Crime
  • SPORTS
  • IREPORT TV
No Result
View All Result
iReport South Africa
No Result
View All Result
Home Latest News

KZN Health Department Launches Urgent Drive to Find 117,000 Missing HIV Patients

May 15, 2025
0
KZN Health Department Launches Urgent Drive to Find 117,000 Missing HIV Patients
0
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has launched an urgent campaign to track down nearly 117,000 people who have stopped taking their antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and bring them back into care by the end of the year.

Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane revealed that while the province has 1.5 million people currently stable on ARVs, thousands more have dropped out of treatment—putting their health at risk and increasing the chances of drug resistance.

Close the Gap: A National Lifeline

The province has joined the Close the Gap campaign, a nationwide initiative by the National Department of Health and the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), targeting 1.1 million people across South Africa who know their HIV status but are not on treatment.

In KZN alone, an estimated 200,000 people have fallen out of care, but the department has set an ambitious goal of reconnecting 117,616 of them by December.

Why Do People Stop Treatment?

MEC Simelane, speaking on the department’s KZN Health Chat programme, explained that treatment fatigue is a major challenge.

“People take their medication, feel better, and then think they can stop. But they only feel well because the treatment is working. Stopping can lead to drug resistance, making future treatment harder and putting lives at risk,” she warned.

She also highlighted that alcohol abuse plays a role in treatment defaulting.

“You don’t have to drink to be fashionable. But if you do, drink responsibly—especially on ARVs. Excessive drinking makes it easy to forget medication, and that’s dangerous.”

A Plea to Return to Care

The department is urging those who have stopped treatment to return to their nearest clinic without fear of judgment.

“No one should die because they stopped taking life-saving medication. If you’ve defaulted, come back. Our healthcare workers are ready to help,” Simelane said.

How the Campaign Will Work

  • Community outreach teams will trace missing patients.

  • Healthcare workers will provide counselling and support for those returning.

  • Awareness drives will combat stigma and misinformation around HIV treatment.

With HIV remaining a critical health challenge in KZN, the success of this campaign could mean the difference between life and death for thousands.

“Your health matters. Come back. Let’s close the gap together,” Simelane urged.

Previous Post

Watch | EFF MP Sihle Lonzi Ejected from Parliament Committee After Questioning DG on Mantashe’s Son’s Appointment

Next Post

President Cyril Ramaphosa Discusses South Africa’s Transformation Policies with Former US President Donald Trump

iReport SA News

iReport South Africa News is a free to use platform and the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent, reflect or express the views of iReport South Africa News. Any/all written content and images displayed are provided by the blogger/author, appear herein as submitted by the blogger/author and are unedited by iReport South Africa News. iReport South Africa News does not consent to nor does it condone the posting of any content that violates the rights (including the copyrights) of any third party, nor content that may malign, inter alia, any religion, ethnic group, organization, gender, company, or individual. iReport South Africa News furthermore does not condone the use of our platform for the purposes encouraging/endorsing hate speech, violation of human rights and/or utterances of a defamatory nature. If the content contained herein violates any of your rights, including those of copyright, and/or violates any the above mentioned factors, you are requested to immediately notify us using via the following email address reports@ireportsouthafrica.co.za and/or report the article using the available reporting functionality built into our Platform.

Related Posts

Ramaphosa Reaffirms Commitment to Diplomacy Amid Rising Global Tensions

Ramaphosa Calls for Self-Reliance and Homegrown Solutions to South Africa’s Challenges

February 14, 2025
Gupta Family Allegedly Donated R20 Million to ANC via Zuma, Raising Concerns of Misappropriation

Shivambu Announces No Elective Conference for MK Party, Strengthening Zuma’s Control

November 12, 2024
Zuma Celebrates 83rd Birthday Amid MK Party Unity and Traditional Honors

Zuma Celebrates 83rd Birthday Amid MK Party Unity and Traditional Honors

April 13, 2025
Mbalula Warns DA Against ‘Streetfighter’ Tactics in GNU Disputes

Mbalula Warns DA Against ‘Streetfighter’ Tactics in GNU Disputes

January 30, 2025
Julius Malema’s Judicial Comments Stir Debate Over EFF’s Official Stance

Julius Malema’s Judicial Comments Stir Debate Over EFF’s Official Stance

December 14, 2024
Ex-Defense Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula Denies Corruption Claims, Calls Probe Politically Motivated

Ex-Defense Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula Denies Corruption Claims, Calls Probe Politically Motivated

March 31, 2025
Next Post
ANC Suffers Another Blow in Zululand as Regional Treasurer Nhlakanipho Sibisi Resigns

President Cyril Ramaphosa Discusses South Africa’s Transformation Policies with Former US President Donald Trump

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Bad News for everyone living in South Africa this morning As Nigerian Threaten To Take Over SA

Bad News for everyone living in South Africa this morning As Nigerian Threaten To Take Over SA

September 11, 2024
Look what Dr Nandipha’s mother spotted doing in court yesterday

Look what Dr Nandipha’s mother spotted doing in court yesterday

September 10, 2024
South Africa is finished|| Look over 100 illegal foreigner were caught bringing into the country

South Africa is finished|| Look over 100 illegal foreigner were caught bringing into the country

September 10, 2024
Unexpected || Hawks To Arrest ANC Heavyweight Over R680 000 Alleged Money Laundering

Unexpected || Hawks To Arrest ANC Heavyweight Over R680 000 Alleged Money Laundering

September 11, 2024

Big Nuz – Ngeke Wins Ukhozi FM Top 10 Cross Over Song Of The Year 2022 to 2023

0
Watch: Babes Wodumo Performing Ngeke at The Last Dance 2022 | Song of The Year

Watch: Babes Wodumo Performing Ngeke at The Last Dance 2022 | Song of The Year

0
Some people are angry on Babes Wodumo, following how She’s mourning her husband, take a look

Some people are angry on Babes Wodumo, following how She’s mourning her husband, take a look

0
Enhle Mbali exposed for ‘willing to be in a polygamous marriage’

Enhle Mbali exposed for ‘willing to be in a polygamous marriage’

0
MK Party Drops Floyd Shivambu as Secretary General Over Controversial Malawi Trip

MK Party Drops Floyd Shivambu as Secretary General Over Controversial Malawi Trip

June 3, 2025
WATCH LIVE: MK PARTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON RECENT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

WATCH LIVE: MK PARTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON RECENT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

June 3, 2025
Namibia Terminates Major Oil Deal in Bold Sovereignty Move

Namibia Terminates Major Oil Deal in Bold Sovereignty Move

June 3, 2025
National Assembly Deputy Speaker to Refer EFF MPs’ Conduct to Speaker After Disruptions

Court Orders Kenny Kunene to Pay Julius Malema’s Legal Costs in Defamation Case

June 3, 2025

Recent News

MK Party Drops Floyd Shivambu as Secretary General Over Controversial Malawi Trip

MK Party Drops Floyd Shivambu as Secretary General Over Controversial Malawi Trip

June 3, 2025
WATCH LIVE: MK PARTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON RECENT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

WATCH LIVE: MK PARTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON RECENT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

June 3, 2025
Namibia Terminates Major Oil Deal in Bold Sovereignty Move

Namibia Terminates Major Oil Deal in Bold Sovereignty Move

June 3, 2025
National Assembly Deputy Speaker to Refer EFF MPs’ Conduct to Speaker After Disruptions

Court Orders Kenny Kunene to Pay Julius Malema’s Legal Costs in Defamation Case

June 3, 2025
iReport South Africa

iReport South Africa is a free to use platform and the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent, reflect or express the views of iReport South Africa News. Any/all written content and images displayed are provided by the blogger/author, appear herein as submitted by the blogger/author and are unedited by iReport South Africa.

If the content contained herein violates any of your rights, including those of copyright, and/or violates any the above mentioned factors, you are requested to immediately notify us and/or report the article using the available reporting functionality built into our Platform.

Follow Us

Recent News

MK Party Drops Floyd Shivambu as Secretary General Over Controversial Malawi Trip

MK Party Drops Floyd Shivambu as Secretary General Over Controversial Malawi Trip

June 3, 2025
WATCH LIVE: MK PARTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON RECENT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

WATCH LIVE: MK PARTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON RECENT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

June 3, 2025
Namibia Terminates Major Oil Deal in Bold Sovereignty Move

Namibia Terminates Major Oil Deal in Bold Sovereignty Move

June 3, 2025
National Assembly Deputy Speaker to Refer EFF MPs’ Conduct to Speaker After Disruptions

Court Orders Kenny Kunene to Pay Julius Malema’s Legal Costs in Defamation Case

June 3, 2025
  • About

© 2017 - 2023 iReport South Africa

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • LATEST NEWS
  • POLITICS
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • LIFESTYLE
  • CRIME
  • SPORTS
  • BUSINESS
  • IREPORT TV
  • Login

© 2017 - 2023 iReport South Africa

iReport South Africa

iReport South Africa is a free to use platform and the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent, reflect or express the views of iReport South Africa News. Any/all written content and images displayed are provided by the blogger/author, appear herein as submitted by the blogger/author and are unedited by iReport South Africa.

If the content contained herein violates any of your rights, including those of copyright, and/or violates any the above mentioned factors, you are requested to immediately notify us and/or report the article using the available reporting functionality built into our Platform.

Follow Us

Recent News

MK Party Drops Floyd Shivambu as Secretary General Over Controversial Malawi Trip

MK Party Drops Floyd Shivambu as Secretary General Over Controversial Malawi Trip

June 3, 2025
WATCH LIVE: MK PARTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON RECENT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

WATCH LIVE: MK PARTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON RECENT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

June 3, 2025
Namibia Terminates Major Oil Deal in Bold Sovereignty Move

Namibia Terminates Major Oil Deal in Bold Sovereignty Move

June 3, 2025
National Assembly Deputy Speaker to Refer EFF MPs’ Conduct to Speaker After Disruptions

Court Orders Kenny Kunene to Pay Julius Malema’s Legal Costs in Defamation Case

June 3, 2025
  • About

© 2017 - 2023 iReport South Africa

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • LATEST NEWS
  • POLITICS
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • LIFESTYLE
  • CRIME
  • SPORTS
  • BUSINESS
  • IREPORT TV
  • Login

© 2017 - 2023 iReport South Africa

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • LATEST NEWS
  • POLITICS
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • LIFESTYLE
  • CRIME
  • SPORTS
  • BUSINESS
  • IREPORT TV
  • Login

© 2017 - 2023 iReport South Africa