KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli presided over the sitting of the Provincial Council on AIDS (PCA) held at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to achieving an HIV-free KwaZulu-Natal.
The PCA brought together key leaders from government, civil society and the HIV sector to strengthen coordination, evaluate progress, and intensify interventions aimed at reducing new infections and supporting those living with HIV.
Intensifying the “Close the Gap” Campaign
In his address, Premier Ntuli highlighted the urgent need to accelerate the Close the Gap Campaign, a national initiative targeting the 1.1 million people across the country who know their HIV status but are not currently on treatment.
KwaZulu-Natal remains the epicentre of the HIV epidemic in South Africa, and the Premier emphasised that the province must lead with decisive, results-driven interventions.
The KZN Department of Health has identified more than 200 000 individuals who have defaulted on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. As part of the national campaign, KwaZulu-Natal has committed to tracing and re-initiating at least 117 616 people back onto treatment by the end of the year.
“We must ensure that every person who has defaulted is traced, supported, and returned to care. Treatment saves lives, protects families, and reduces new infections,” Premier Ntuli said.
Strengthening Partnerships Across Sectors
The sitting was attended by Members of the Executive Council (MECs), District Mayors and Deputy Mayors, SANAC delegates, AIDS activists, Traditional Health Practitioners, and Senior Government Officials.
This diverse representation underscored the PCA’s role as a multi-sectoral platform, essential for uniting government departments, civil society and community structures behind a common provincial response to HIV, TB, STIs, and related social issues.
Presentations on Key Health and Social Trends
Delegates presented updates and analysis on:
• HIV and TB incidence and treatment trends,
• The province’s progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets,
• The growing impact of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and its intersection with HIV infection rates,
• Other emerging social challenges that continue to affect communities across KwaZulu-Natal.
These discussions highlighted both the progress made and the persistent gaps that still require urgent attention.
A Call to Strengthen Community-Based Action
Premier Ntuli emphasised the need for community-driven interventions, renewed public education, improved treatment literacy, and enhanced collaboration between traditional and biomedical health systems.
He further reiterated that eliminating HIV as a public health threat requires sustained commitment, consistent treatment adherence, and strong district-level coordination throughout the province.
“KwaZulu-Natal can and will lead South Africa in closing the treatment gap and ending new infections. This is not only a health priority—it is a social and moral imperative,” he affirmed.
Towards an HIV-Free KwaZulu-Natal
The PCA reaffirmed KwaZulu-Natal’s commitment to an integrated, measurable, and people-centred HIV response, driven by bold leadership, strong partnerships, and evidence-based interventions.
Under Premier Ntuli’s leadership, the province remains steadfast in its mission to build a healthier, more resilient, and HIV-free KwaZulu-Natal.