HIVSA Launches Choma Care and Choma Plus to Revolutionize Healthcare Access and Investment in South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa – June 2024

HIVSA is proud to announce the launch of Choma Care and Choma Plus, two groundbreaking platforms designed to transform healthcare access and investment in South Africa. The official launch event will take place on 13 June 2024 at the prestigious Protea Hotel Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Choma Care: Empowering Health and Wellness

Choma Care is an innovative e-commerce platform hosted on the Choma site and mobile app, offering affordable and accessible medical services and health products. With a mission to empower women and all South Africans, Choma Care removes barriers to essential healthcare by providing:

• GP Consultations: Virtual consultations with general practitioners.
• Family Planning: Comprehensive family planning services.
• STI and PrEP Consultations: Specialised consultations for sexually transmitted infections and pre-exposure prophylaxis.
• Mental Health Services: Accessible mental health consultations.
• Health Products: Convenient delivery of essential health products such as the morning-after pill, pregnancy tests, and HIV self-test kits.

Choma Plus: Maximising Investment in Health

Choma Plus offers a unique investment opportunity by allowing private investors to purchase digital advertising space on the Choma Care platform. This strategic placement ensures optimum visibility and direct engagement with users seeking related products and services, thereby enhancing brand awareness and investment returns.

Why Healthcare Access and Investment is Crucial in South Africa, Especially for Women

• High Maternal Mortality Rates
  • According to the World Bank South Africa has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with approximately 119 deaths per 100,000 live births as of 2020. This figure reflects significant gaps in maternal healthcare, which can be addressed by better access to medical services and health products.
• HIV Prevalence Among Women
  • Women in South Africa are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. According to UNAIDS, young women aged 15-24 years are three times more likely to be living with HIV compared to their male counterparts. Improved access to preventivemeasures, such as PrEP and HIV self-testing kits, is critical in reducing this disparity.
• Gender-Based Violence and Health Implications
  • A shocking statistic according to the South African Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the South African Department of Health in collaboration with Statistics South Africa reveals that over 50% of women in South Africa have experienced gender-based violence (GBV). GBV has severe health implications, including mental health issues, unwanted pregnancies, and an increased risk of STIs. Enhancing healthcare access can provide crucial support and resources for survivors.
• Economic Barriers to Healthcare
  • Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reveals that the economic challenges significantly hinder access to healthcare. Nearly 25% of South African women live below the poverty line, making it difficult to afford essential health services and products. Choma Care aims to bridge this gap by offering affordable healthcare solutions.
• Contraceptive Access and Unmet Needs
  • Despite efforts to improve contraceptive access in the South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) study reveals that about 18% of married or in-union women in South Africa have an unmet need for family planning. Addressing this need is vital for empowering women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
• Increased preference for online shopping / convenience
  • Recent studies have shown a significant shift in shopping behaviour among young women in South Africa, with a growing preference for online shopping and convenience. According to a Deloitte study, more than 70% of South Africans are shopping online, and this trend is particularly pronounced among younger demographics who are increasingly prioritizing the convenience and accessibility of digital platforms (TrueHost). Additionally, a Mastercard survey found that 71% of South African consumers plan to continue shopping online even after the pandemic, underscoring the enduring appeal of e-commerce (NIQ).

This preference for online shopping among young South African women reflects broader global trends and highlights the importance of digital engagement strategies for retailers and service providers looking to cater to this market segment.

Launch Event Highlights

The launch event will feature a conference summarising our research and present our innovative solutions. Attendees will include strategic potential investors and key stakeholders in the healthcare sector. The event will also host a panel discussion on the current landscape of South African healthcare, fostering an informed and engaging dialogue among industry experts and participants.

Event Details:

Date: 13 June 2024

Time: 10:00 AM

Venue: Wanderers Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg

About HIVSA

HIVSA is committed to improving the lives of South Africans through innovative healthcare solutions and community support. Our vision is to create a healthier, empowered society with accessible and affordable healthcare for all.

For more information, please contact:

Media Contact:

Name: Palesa Khambi Email: khambip@hivsa.com 

Phone: 083 641 4120

Join us in celebrating the launch of Choma Care and Choma Plus and be part of the revolution in healthcare access and investment in South Africa.