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South Africa
Key Results in 2022-2023
Joint Programme Results
In 2023, South Africa joined the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030 and developed a comprehensive national plan to address the treatment gap among children and adolescents living with HIV in the country. As a result, 10 000 children living with HIV were enrolled on treatment (UNICEF, WHO, UNAIDS Secretariat). In addition, prevention of vertical transmission of HIV and viral load testing services among women living with HIV was strengthened through monitoring of national health laboratory data, including three months viral load testing (UNICEF).
The newly launched National Strategic Plan on HIV, TB, STIs (2023-2028), guided and supported by the Joint Programme, addresses social and structural barriers to equitable services and includes a minimum package of services for mobile populations and undocumented migrants (WHO, IOM). Review of national HIV self-testing programme implementation strengthened evidence for the national tender to procure HIV self-testing kits and expand testing beyond health facilities (WHO).
The South African National AIDS Council rolled out a national HIV literacy framework and the Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U) campaign to address HIV-related stigma and discrimination and promote treatment adherence for better viral suppression. The Joint Programme further supported U=U campaign in eThekwini and Johannesburg Fast Track cities and two provinces. Evidence from Eastern Cape province showed improved treatment adherence since its launch in 2022 (UNAIDS Secretariat).
Awareness and literacy of condom use among young people aged 15-24 increased in one province following the implementation of a pilot community-based multimodal learning model in 60 local clinics. Results showed higher awareness and knowledge among participants (boys and minibus taxi operators) and will inform further improvements (UNFPA).
As part of the Safeguard Young People programme, 81 healthcare facilities scaled up delivery of quality adolescent and youth friendly services; collection of age- and gender-disaggregated data on access to these services; and establishment of youth zone. In addition, Amaze videos on comprehensive sexuality education reached more than 30 000 adolescents and young people via TV broadcasts (UNFPA).
The South African Judicial Education Institute developed a human rights curriculum for magistrates to raise awareness and literacy on International Labour Standards related to gender, HIV and tuberculosis. More than 300 judges and legal professionals also improved their knowledge of non-discrimination, gender and HIV-related International Labour Standards (ILO).
The Joint Programme continued to empower young women to reduce their vulnerability to HIV and gender-based violence. In KwaZulu-Natal province, 120 young women, mostly single mothers received training on agriculture improving their food security and financial status. Fifty taverns in one city started weekly HeForShe dialogues to address harmful norms and practices that increase the vulnerability of young women to HIV and gender-based violence reaching over 10 000 people (UN Women).
The Ritshidze Community-led monitoring initiative improved HIV services for people living with HIV and key populations in more than 400 healthcare facilities resulting in reduced waiting times, improved access to antiretroviral medicine, including refills for longer periods, and psychosocial support and gender-based violence services (UNAIDS Secretariat).
The Joint Programme’s support helped to mobilize US$ 900 million from PEPFAR for the 2023-2025 Country Operational Plan implementation for the national HIV and tuberculosis response.
Results Areas
SDGs
Joint Team Members
Investments
South Africa Investments in
South Africa Investments in
