World AIDS Day 2025

Each year on 1 December, World AIDS Day is observed as an important opportunity to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, honour the lives of those we have lost, and show support for people living with the virus. This year marks 37 years since the first commemoration, and South Africa will observe the day under the theme “Renewed Efforts and Sustainable Commitments to End AIDS.”

HIV and AIDS in South Africa

Although South Africa has made progress through expanded testing and access to antiretroviral therapy, stigma and discrimination still prevent many people from seeking care. These challenges can lead to social isolation, loss of support, and delays in treatment, which ultimately undermine national efforts to reduce new infections.

Knowing your HIV status is one of the most important steps in protecting your health. Early testing allows individuals to access treatment, prevent opportunistic infections, protect their partners, and make informed decisions about their future.

HIV as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB)

HIV is a PMB condition under the Medical Schemes Act. This means all medical schemes must, by law, cover the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care of HIV in full, in line with national guidelines.

PMB benefits for HIV include:

• Voluntary counselling and testing.
• Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
• Screening and preventative therapy for TB, including immunisation as part of preventing and managing co-infection.
• Pain management in palliative care to reduce the severity or slow the progression of illness rather than provide a cure.
• Treatment of opportunistic infections such as pneumonia.
• Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, which includes ARV treatment for the mother, clinical interventions such as caesarean delivery when necessary, and support for safe infant feeding.
• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after occupational exposure or sexual assault.
• Medical management and medication, including the provision of antiretroviral therapy and ongoing monitoring of treatment effectiveness and safety.
• Cover for complications arising from treatment.

Many medical schemes make use of designated service providers (DSPs) to manage the care of their HIV-positive members. Members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their scheme’s DSPs to avoid co-payments for using non-DSP providers. DSPs may include general practitioners, retail pharmacies, or courier pharmacy services. It is also important to ensure that you maintain an adequate supply of your prescribed medication at all times.

Ending AIDS requires all of us to act. Please stay informed, get tested, support those living with HIV, and promote safe behaviours. By treating HIV as a manageable condition and showing compassion, we ensure more people have access to the care they need.

Download the full CMScript on HIV/AIDS here.