Health Department Takes HIV Awareness to the Streets of Gqeberha

In preparation for the Provincial World AIDS Day 2025 Commemoration, the Eastern Cape Department of Health hosted a Services on Wheels outreach at Korsten Taxi Rank under Sub-District C in Gqeberha. The initiative aimed to bring vital health services directly to residents as part of the province’s awareness build-up campaign.

What Happened

The mobile health team set up at Sweetheart Sports Tavern in Korsten, offering free screenings and educational materials.
Residents accessed HIV and TB testing, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and condom distribution, among other services.

Many locals expressed appreciation for the convenience of the initiative.

“We really appreciate this service because most of us don’t have time to go to clinics due to our daily hustle,” said one resident while waiting to be screened.

The outreach formed part of a broader effort by the provincial health department to improve community access to preventative healthcare and promote early diagnosis.

Official Response

Health officials emphasized that such initiatives are key to reducing the burden of communicable and lifestyle diseases.
They noted that bringing services directly to communities helps reach those who might otherwise miss routine testing or treatment opportunities.

“Our goal is to make health care accessible and encourage regular testing, especially as we approach World AIDS Day,” said a Department of Health spokesperson.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up mobile outreach services across the province in the weeks leading up to the commemoration.

Community Impact

The Eastern Cape World AIDS Day will be officially hosted in Gqeberha on 1 December 2025, underlining the city’s central role in the province’s fight against HIV and AIDS.
The Services on Wheels outreach is already making a visible difference by reaching informal traders, taxi commuters, and nearby residents who seldom access clinic-based care.

Such engagements not only raise awareness but also strengthen the message of shared responsibility in achieving a healthier, HIV-free generation.