HIV Testing and Treatment in South Africa

South Africa has the largest HIV treatment programme in the world, and significant progress has been made in reducing new infections and AIDS-related deaths. However, an estimated 7.8 million South Africans are living with HIV, making regular testing and early treatment critically important.

HIV testing is quick, confidential, and widely available. Rapid tests provide results in as little as 15 minutes using a small finger-prick blood sample. At NeoHealth, we offer HIV testing as part of routine health screenings, and all testing is conducted in a private, non-judgemental environment. The UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets aim for 95 percent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed to be on treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment to have a suppressed viral load.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV from a life-threatening diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition. When taken consistently, ART suppresses the virus to undetectable levels in the blood, which means it cannot be transmitted sexually — a concept known as U=U (Undetectable equals Untransmittable).

Starting treatment early, ideally on the same day as diagnosis or as soon as possible, leads to the best health outcomes. Modern ART regimens are simpler than ever, with many patients taking just one pill per day with minimal side effects.

Dr. Chellan holds a Diploma in HIV Management from the College of Medicine of South Africa and has extensive experience in antiretroviral therapy, management of treatment failure, and drug resistance counselling. He provides comprehensive HIV care including initiation and ongoing monitoring, viral load and CD4 count tracking, management of opportunistic infections, and PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) for HIV-negative individuals at high risk.

If you have not been tested recently, or if you are living with HIV and seeking expert clinical care, NeoHealth is here to support you with compassionate, evidence-based treatment.