Health department urges HIV and TB patients to ‘come back to care’

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has launched a renewed call for residents who have missed appointments or stopped HIV or TB treatment to return to care, with a promise of “no judgment, just care.”

The initiative forms part of the national Close the Gap campaign by the National Department of Health in partnership with the World Health Organisation, UNAIDS, and other stakeholders. The campaign aims to re-engage with more than one million people living with HIV across South Africa who know their status but are not currently on treatment.

Provincial department’s spokesperson, Abulele Dyasi, said the patient data indicated that more than 111 000 people living with HIV have not accessed health services in the past two years in the Western Cape. The department is now using this data to target facilities and communities most in need.

“By testing more people, we can identify cases early, link them to treatment, and reduce TB incidence and mortality - moving us closer to our End TB targets,” Ms Dyasi said in a statement.

Facility manager at Strand and Gustrouw clinics, Aisha Salie, said: “I want to encourage people to return for care and continue their treatment journey. Doing so will protect your health and well-being, as well as protect your loved ones, partners, family, and friends.”

James Kruger, Khayelitsha and Eastern Health District director, said the campaign ensures that no community is left behind.

“Close the Gap is our call to action to reach those who have fallen out of care, to support them, and to protect everyone, including those who are not living with HIV or TB, so that our communities stay healthy and safe.”

Clinics across the province now offer a range of free health services, including:

• HIV self-screening, testing, and counselling
• TB and STI screening
• General wellness checks
• Pap smears
• Condom distribution and demonstrations
• Health education and mental wellness awareness
• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) initiation for HIV prevention
• Referrals for voluntary medical male circumcision

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Residents are encouraged to visit clinics if they experience TB symptoms such as persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss, or fatigue. The department also reminds the public that U=U — if a person living with HIV maintains an undetectable viral load through sustained treatment, they cannot transmit the virus sexually. 

Other health tips include:

• Keep windows open for ventilation.
• Wear a mask if coughing or in crowded spaces.
• Complete TB treatment fully to prevent drug resistance.
• Use condoms to prevent HIV, STIs, and pregnancy.
• Test regularly for HIV and consider PrEP if at higher risk.