The Eastern Cape Provincial Government through its Department of Health, has successfully launched the 1.1 million Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Gap and 5 million End TB Campaign today. Led by Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa this campaign forms part of the province's initiative in accelerating South Africa s commitment to fight HIV and TB.

The event, that was held at UB Grounds, Polar Park in Dimbaza, brought together government leaders, civil society, developmental partners, and affected communities in a united call to intensify HIV and TB interventions across the province.

Speaking at the launch MEC Capa emphasised the urgency of closing the treatment gap, re-engage those who have stopped treatment, and scale up TB testing and preventions to save lives so that no one is left behind.

In her keynote address the MEC mentioned how the campaign comes at a critical time. She further stipulated that despite the Eastern Cape s progress in expanding access to HIV treatment, over 142,000 people in the province remain unengaged or lost to follow-up, threatening national progress towards the 95-95-95 targets aimed at improving HIV treatment and prevention by December 2025.

The event featured integrated service delivery on-site programmes where thousands of community members accessed free health and social services. These included HIV testing and ARV initiation, TB screening, Child health services, Family planning as well as Psychosocial support. Special focus was placed on children, adolescents, and men, who remain the most underrepresented in testing, treatment initiation, and retention statistics.

This launch signals the Eastern Cape Provincial Government s determination to contribute meaningfully to South Africa s national goal of ending HIV and TB as public health threats.