Gansbaai Clinic Open Day
“Gansbaai Clinic staff commemorated World AIDS Day together with the global community. This day is meant to raise awareness, unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have lost their lives due to HIV/AIDS,” said Sr Aletta Davids, Operational Manager of Gansbaai Clinic. “The theme for 2025 is Renewed Efforts and Sustainable Commitments to end AIDS.”
Sr Davids explained that Gansbaai Clinic is committed to ending AIDS by offering disengaged clients the opportunity to return for treatment as soon as possible. Services are available five days a week. “Clients are encouraged to sign a commitment to continue lifelong treatment,” she emphasised. The GAP programme has already shown significant results since its implementation on 15 September, with disengaged clients returning to treatment and care.
Data
Sr Davids provided the following statistics: **South Africa currently has 7.8 million people living with HIV; **As of 31 October 2025, Gansbaai has 1,100 adults and 15 children living with HIV; **Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART): 6.3 million people are on ART compared to 1.4 million in 2010; **In Gansbaai, 60 adults and 20 children are currently on TB treatment; **Testing and treatment targets follow the 95-95-95 strategy: *95% to know their HIV status, *95% to access treatment, *95% to be virally suppressed; **AIDS-related deaths: approximately 53,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Inspiration
“The community shared the daily scripture with staff from 1 Timothy 4:12: Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. “When it comes to choices and new opportunities, life is like a game show. You simply press the buzzer saying, ‘Game over, thank you for playing,’ and move on to the next opportunity. Approaching life like that makes it easier to get back to the winning side of things,” Sr Davids said.
Community Spirit
A lucky draw for a hamper was held, and the prize was handed over to the winner on Tuesday, 2 December 2025. “Thank you to God for giving us the strength to serve our community, to the sponsor of the hamper, the community who participated in the event, Ikamva, I-MED, the clinic staff, and the coordinator of the event, Sr Elmarie du Toit,” Sr Davids concluded.
Did You Know?
**A pregnant woman can reduce the risk of HIV transmission to her baby to 1% or less if she: *Takes HIV medication; *Gives HIV medication to the baby for 4-6 weeks after birth; *Avoids breastfeeding; *You can live a long and healthy life by taking your antiretroviral therapy daily; *Several information brochures are available at Gansbaai Clinic regarding HIV’AIDS and the various treatments.
Hardus Botha
