Middelburg – The Rockdale Clinic has intensified efforts to trace people who know their HIV status but are not on Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment.
“If you know your status but are not on treatment, we are looking for you. Show yourself because we are not going to rest until we have found you,” said Annah Phokwana, clinic’s operations manager.
On 27 August 2025, the clinic launched its Close the Gap Campaign, aligned with the national programme rolled out in February. The initiative aims to enroll more than 1,1 million people on HIV treatment by the end of December.
Rockdale Clinic– built by Seriti Resources and handed over to the provincial health department in June 2021 — predominantly serves neighbouring communities of Rockdale and Extension 24.
Phokwana said their annual target is to enroll 445 HIV infected people. Many patients, she said, stop ARV therapy when viral load is low. “A low viral load does not equate to being HIV-negative; rather, it signifies that the treatment is effectively managing the virus,” she warned. “Picture this: you’ve been diligently taking your medication and, as a result, the virus is well-controlled. Yet, rather than continuing their treatment, many opt to stop their treatment. This decision is dangerous, weakening the immune system and allowing the virus to regain strength within the body.”
She also noted that stigma, cultural beliefs and religious practices are among the reasons some patients default. “Some people living with the HIV/AIDS virus prefer using traditional medicines over ARVs as they call them western medicine, believing they will be cured. Some religious practices encourage that they pray about healing while some default because of a stigma attached to people living with HIV/AIDS. All these can delay and prevent people from getting the right treatment and live longer,” she said.
Phokwana added that long queues often discourage patients, but an appointment system introduced by the clinic has already reduced waiting times.
“Since we started implementing this system, our clinic has been remarkably quiet, with no lines forming. It’s quiet, from 13h00 until we close,” she said.
According to the national health department, 7,8 million know their status and 5,9 million are receiving ARVs. The department is confident it will reach the 1,1 million target by year-end.
Concerns about funding arose earlier this year after US President Donald Trump, misinformed about South Africa’s Expropriation Act, announced plans to cut US support.
The South African government moved quickly to reassure the public, stressing that the majority of ARV procurement is self-funded. Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi said the government covers 74% of HIV/AIDS funding, with an additional 2% from the private sector, 7% from the Global Fund and 17% from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
