HIVSA was proud to attend and host a Satellite Session at the 11th South African AIDS Conference (SAAIDS 2025) held in Durban. Themed “Community Responses in the Management of Paediatric and Adolescent HIV,” the session brought together a dynamic panel of experts from the health, community, and government sectors to share insights, evidence, and best practices shaping South Africa’s HIV response.
The session, chaired by Dr. Gloria Maimela, provided a collaborative platform to explore how community systems, clinical partners, and government initiatives intersect to improve the lives of children and adolescents living with HIV.
Key Outcomes of the Session
The discussions and presentations highlighted three major outcomes:
Strengthened Collaboration: Demonstrating how partners are working together to support HIV-positive children, adolescents, and vulnerable populations through integrated, community-driven responses.
Community Innovations: Showcasing practical, community-led initiatives improving HIV prevention, care, and adherence support at grassroots level.
Government Alignment: Emphasizing alignment with the Department of Health priorities, illustrating how partnerships complement and extend public health services to achieve sustainable impact.
A Strong Line-up of Experts
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed presenters who made this session impactful:
Ms. Pamela Hlahla, Strategic Information Manager at HIVSA — Strengthening Community Systems: HIVSA’s Capacity Building Framework for Community-Based Organisations.
Ms. Virginia Malete, Programmes Manager at Friends For Life — A Community-Based Case Management Model in Managing Children and Adolescents Living with HIV.
Dr. Carol Tait, Technical Advisor at Anova Health Institute — Clinical Partner Support in Managing Paediatric and Adolescent HIV.
Ms. Nomaxabiso Tata, National Programmes Manager at Shout It Now — Community Responses in Managing HIV and the Effectiveness of Collaboration Among Partners Implementing Mobile Services.
Ms. Mmakobo Kgaegake, Deputy Director HAST, City of Johannesburg Health District — The Importance of Partnerships Between Government and Community-Based Implementing Partners in the HIV Response.
Collaboration in Action
The overwhelming response to HIVSA’s session reaffirmed the crucial role of community partnerships in achieving national HIV targets. The dialogue underscored the need to strengthen integration between government, civil society, and healthcare providers — ensuring that every child and adolescent living with HIV receives comprehensive, continuous, and compassionate care.
We would also like to acknowledge the officials from the Departments of Health and Social Development from various provinces who actively engaged in this session. Their participation reinforced the shared vision of achieving an AIDS-free generation through unified, community-centred approaches.
As HIVSA, we remain committed to strengthening community systems, empowering our partners, and supporting innovative solutions that drive impact in paediatric and adolescent HIV care.