Minister: We must have communities, especially people living with HIV tell us what is needed
Address by Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize at the opening of the 9th South African AIDS Conference.
Hepatitis C in South Africa: A primer for civil society on the need for action
OPINION: When the topic of Hepatitis comes up in conversation amongst people involved in the HIV response, people often confess they know very little about the illness. And yet, globally, viral hepatitis currently causes more deaths than HIV; and while the number of HIV-related deaths are falling, those associated with hepatitis are increasing yearly.
Donor shift threatens adherence clubs in the Free State
A shift in donor funding for HIV has endangered the continued existence of successful and effective antiretroviral adherence clubs in the Free State.
New guides to advocating in AIDS councils
Spotlight has developed two new advocacy guides for members of provincial or district AIDS councils. One focuses on TB prevention and the other on retention in care.
In-depth: The problem of stopping or not starting HIV treatment
Many people in South Africa living with HIV never start taking antiretroviral treatment, or start and then stop. Spotlight asked the experts how big a problem this is and what can be done about it.
Provinces make progress with AIDS plans
All nine of South Africa’s provinces have finalised their NSP provincial implementation plans and six out of nine provincial AIDS councils are chaired by premiers, according to the South African National AIDS Council.
Is South Africa on track to meet NSP targets?
On World AIDS Day 2018 we assess how South Africa is faring against 10 key targets set in the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on HIV, TB and STIs 2017 – 2022.
New SANAC CEO responds to questions about his past
Dr Sandile Buthelezi was recently appointed as the new head (CEO) of the South African National AIDS Council. His appointment follows the suspicious non-renewal of the previous CEO’s contract Dr Fareed Abdullah and unsuccessful attempts to lure Eastern Cape head of health Dr Thobile Mbengashe to the post.
TAC congress elects new leaders, sets priorities
The Treatment Action Campaign’s (TAC) 6th National Congress held in Sterkfontein, Gauteng concluded today with the re-election of Anele Yawa as General Secretary and the election of Sibongile Tshabalala as Chairperson.
Opinion: Will we get the NSP right this time?
By Marcus Low, Spotlight Editor – At the end of this year South Africa’s big plan to fight HIV and tuberculosis (TB) comes to an end. The National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV, TB and STIs 2012-2016 will be replaced by the 2017-2021 NSP. It is vital that the new NSP avoids the mistakes of the past and fully incorporates new scientific evidence.
Opinion: Dear Deputy President Ramaphosa
This open letter from Mark Heywood appeared on Spotlight’s website and in the Daily Maverick at the end of August. While we are three months further down the line, the issues highlighted by Mark are still relevant and important to take note of as the new plan for HIV and TB is crafted. We welcome responses to this, please write to the Editor and let’s talk!
Editorial: The new hiv & TB plan – Three months to get it right
Delays at the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) has meant that the new NSP (National Strategic Plan) will now only be ready in March 2017.