HEALTH Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on Thursday launched South Africa’s Six Multi-Month Dispensing (6MMD) HIV treatment campaign in Bloemfontein, a move hailed as a major stride toward ending the country’s HIV and Aids epidemic by 2030.
The launch at MUCPP Clinic, attended by Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, marks the start of a nationwide rollout that will allow eligible patients to collect a six-month supply of antiretroviral (ARV) medication at once – doubling the current three-month allocation.
Officials say the initiative will ease the burden on health facilities, improve adherence to treatment and enhance the quality of life for people living with HIV.
Motsoaledi said the 6MMD programme was the result of close collaboration between the Department of Health, civil society and international partners, including the South African National AIDS Council and the World Health Organisation.
“This is about improving lives and restoring dignity,” he said.
“We are committed to achieving the goal of ending HIV and Aids by 2030.
“The government has invested R46.8 billion toward stopping the spread of the virus and ultimately eradicating the disease.”
However, the minister cautioned that the six-month supply would only be available to those who have proven consistent and responsible in managing their treatment.
“Not everyone will be allowed in the six-month dispensing programme,” he said.
“Only those who have demonstrated responsibility in managing their health will qualify.”
The 6MMD rollout fulfils a commitment made in December 2024 to extend ARV refills to six months.
It follows the ‘End TB and Close the Gap’ campaign, which successfully traced more than 1.1 million people who had tested positive for HIV but were not yet on treatment – a critical intervention to curb new infections.
Motsoaledi also revealed that the Lenacapavir vaccine programme – aimed at providing long-term protection to HIV-negative individuals – will begin around March or April 2026.
The vaccine, to be administered twice a year, will first target young women aged 16 to 24 and pregnant women.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae reiterated the province’s support for the national HIV response, urging patients to safeguard their medication.
“The six-month treatment is not for you to share with others,” she said.
“It is made to minimise your visits to the clinic – it is meant for you to minimise your visits to the clinic. Tshwanetse le e thlokomele (You must take good care of it).”
Also in attendance were MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi and provinclai government acting director-general Molefinyana Phera, alongside health workers, civil society representatives and community members.
The Department of Health said the 6MMD campaign would be rolled out in phases across all provinces, contributing to South Africa’s progress toward the UNAids 95-95-95 targets — ensuring that 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed receive treatment and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
