Circular 8 of 2026: Request for HIV, TB and STI data for the South African National Aids Council (SANAC)

In response to the ongoing HIV, TB, and STI epidemics, the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), and the National Department of Health (NDoH) established a private-sector initiative in 2016 to systematically collect data from registered medical schemes. This initiative recognises the critical role of the private healthcare sector in complementing public health efforts and providing a more comprehensive understanding of disease burden across the country.

Under the initiative, private-sector treatment data are submitted annually and semi-annually via the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) online reporting tool. Medical schemes, administrators, and managed care organisations are required to provide HIV, TB, and STI indicators according to the attached data collection tool. Data officers responsible for reporting are well-versed in these procedures and are best positioned to compile and submit accurate data to the CMS.

The initiative aims to enhance inclusivity by ensuring that private-sector contributions inform South Africa’s national response to these epidemics. Collecting data from private healthcare providers improves understanding of national disease trends, informs policy development, and supports the generation of reliable national HIV estimates.

Principal Officers are requested to ensure submission of the required data by no later than 18 March 2026. The data should cover the reporting period from 1 January to 31 December 2025 (based on the service date). The attached data specification document remains unchanged.

All enquiries regarding the private sector data collection initiative must be directed to Ms Billia Luwaca (SANAC Secretariat) at billia@sanac.org.za / sanac@medicalschemes.co.za or (012) 748 1031.

Download the Circular here.