Gauteng sees improved HIV and TB treatment retention in 2025-26
Even with the gains, HIV retention fell short of the goal.
Gauteng saw an improvement in the retention of HIV and TB patients on treatment during the 2025-26 financial year, according to the Department of Health in the province. The number of HIV clients remaining on treatment increased to 1,295,104 from 1,261,198 the previous year, while TB patients treated rose to 27,471 from 24,613. The success can be attributed to intensified efforts in tracing clients who missed appointments and referrals for follow-up.
The use of WhatsApp reminders to prompt TB patients to return for results and start treatment on the same day also contributed to the improvement. Despite these gains, HIV retention still fell short of the goal due to high loss to follow-up rates, missed appointments, and incorrect contact details. The department has implemented new measures to address this issue.
Treatment outcomes also improved, with child ART retention at 12 months reaching 71.7% from 70.8% and adult viral suppression rising to 81.5% from 73.9%. The province tested 4,935,976 people for HIV, exceeding its annual target of 4,857,179 by 2%. New Lenacapavir initiations between June and August recorded 24,390, ensuring protection against HIV for six months.
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