Health Systems Trust - HST

21/01/2026

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in South Africa—yet it is largely preventable. HPV vaccination, early screening, and targeted care for women living with HIV can save lives and strengthen communities. In a new article, Health Systems Trust - HST CEO Dr. Ntombi Sigwebela, and MSD South Africa’s Managing Director Zwelethu Bashman, highlight why prioritising these high-risk groups, closing vaccination gaps, and integrating services is not only a health priority but also a moral, social, and economic imperative. Explore actionable strategies and regional lessons to accelerate cervical cancer elimination by reading the full article here: https://social-tv.co.za/education-and-training/protect-hiv-positive-unvaccinated-women-now/

Cervical cancer is preventable, yet remains a leading killer of women in South Africa. A rights-based, equity-led policy approach is urgently needed.

21/01/2026

SAHR 2026 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
As we contemplate South Africa's significant progress in HIV prevention, treatment, and care this World AIDS Day, the South African Health Review (SAHR) invites abstract submissions for a special edition dedicated to examining South Africa’s efforts to eliminate HIV.

This edition will provide a rigorous, evidence-based assessment of the programmes, policies, innovations, and system-level interventions shaping the country’s trajectory toward ending AIDS as a public health threat. Submit your abstract here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKUtqADQWR2_ULu0dV995vnQxIUFf4OXdUB6Img7tq0kPJ9g/viewform

08/12/2025

Health Systems Trust and Africa Health Business hosted a Cervical Cancer Elimination Policy Dialogue at the G20 Social Summit, bringing together government, global health leaders, and civil society to drive action against a preventable disease that still claims over 6,000 lives in South Africa each year. Speakers highlighted progress on HPV vaccination, the shift to a single-dose schedule, and the need to expand HPV DNA testing and decentralised treatment. With screening rates still low and financing gaps persisting, partners underscored the urgency of accelerating implementation, strengthening data systems, and ensuring dignified, equitable care for all women. Grateful to MSD, Abbott, and Roche for their collaboration.

MSD GCC Roche Abbott

05/12/2025

South Africa has a significant HIV burden, with around 8 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), representing about 13-19% of the population. Adolescent girls and young women (age 15-24) face a disproportionately high HIV burden, with recent data showing high prevalence (around 7%) and substantial new infections.

On 2 December, Osindisweni Hospital in eThekwini commemorated World AIDS Day under the theme “Renewed Efforts and Sustainable Commitment to End AIDS”, aligned with the 2026 16 Days of Activism theme “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls Working Together to End GBVF.”

Mr Philani Bhengu, Health Systems Strengthening Project Manager at Health Systems Trust, delivered a strong call to action, highlighting the link between HIV and gender-based violence (GBV). He reminded attendees of the progress made through ART, U=U, and prevention tools like condoms, PrEP and PEP, but stressed that renewed commitment is needed to tackle stigma, inequality and violence.

He emphasised that GBV is both a cause and consequence of HIV, urging communities—especially men and boys—to take responsibility, reject abuse, and help build safe, dignified spaces for women and girls.
Community members were encouraged to know their status, stay on treatment, and use prevention options, while stakeholders were called to strengthen partnerships and ensure accessible, stigma-free services.

Mr Bhengu closed with a powerful message: Ending AIDS means ending violence, ending stigma, and ensuring everyone can live healthy, safe and empowered.

04/12/2025

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

HST stands in solidarity with communities across South Africa as we raise our voices against all forms of violence and discrimination.

01/12/2025

This World AIDS Day, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening HIV prevention, treatment, and support for all communities.

01/12/2025

HST blog article: Empowered communities will ensure the resilience and sustainability of our HIV response

Like many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa's progress towards HIV and TB epidemic control has been dislodged by cuts in foreign aid, and several key aspects of our national response have been compromised – but this cannot thwart our efforts.

As Winnie Byanyima (UNAIDS Executive Director) has urged, we "must choose transformation over retreat".

In tandem with diversifying funding sources through international and bilateral agreements, we can build on what we know and have proved in the field as evidence-based, culturally appropriate interventions that have demonstrably saved lives. This will help to fulfil the World AIDS Day 2025 theme of 'overcoming disruption and transforming the AIDS response'.

Read more: https://www.hst.org.za/media/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=301

28/11/2025

The South African Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, addresses Cervical Cancer Elimination Dialogue at Social G20 Summit

On 18 November, the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi delivered the keynote address at a Cervical Cancer Elimination policy dialogue in Johannesburg. Health Systems Trust and Africa Health Business supported the Department of Health South Africa, and the World Health Organization to convene the dialogue to advance collaboration and momentum on this urgent public health priority. Cervical cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in South Africa, claiming nearly 6 000 lives annually and more than 350 000 lives globally.

Earlier this year, South Africa co-sponsored the resolution to institutionalise World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, now observed globally on 17 November - a testament to the country's leadership and commitment.

South Africa is accelerating efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, guided by clear priorities and strong leadership. The Minister of Health reminded participants at the dialogue that “cervical cancer is not only preventable, it is a matter of equity.”

South Africa’s commitment to the WHO 90-70-90 targets is a powerful promise to protect the health and futures of women and girls nationwide.

The dialogue was about collective action, with a call for Governments, civil society, private sector, and development partners to work together to:
- Mobilise resources and innovative financing.
- Share best practices and lessons learned.
- Build capacity at all levels of the health system.

21/11/2025

Health Systems Trust and Africa Health Business hosted a policy dialogue about cervical cancer at the G20 Social Summit.

As global leaders gathered for the G20 Social Summit, Health Systems Trust and Africa Health Business supported the South African National Department of Health and the World Health Organization to convene a dedicated Cervical Cancer Elimination Policy Dialogue focusing on shaping policy directions, forging partnerships, and reaffirming our shared commitment to women’s health and equity.

Hosted on 18 November, the dialogue brought leaders from government, industry, civil society, and global health to reaffirm the urgent need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral effort to eliminate cervical cancer – a preventable disease that claims more than 6,000 lives in South Africa annually.

Globally, more than 660,000 women are diagnosed each year, and 350,000 die from this preventable disease.

Speakers underscored South Africa’s commitment to the WHO 90-70-90 targets and highlighted progress such as the HPV vaccination programme, which has reached more than 6 million girls, and the transition to the WHO-recommended single-dose schedule. Expanding access to HPV DNA testing at primary healthcare level and decentralising treatment services emerged as essential next steps.

A major concern remains low screening coverage—fewer than one in four women in underserved communities have ever been screened—and the need for sustained, ring-fenced financing to ensure long-term impact. Industry partners reiterated their support through high-performance diagnostics, innovative treatments, and advocacy for nonavalent HPV vaccines. Civil society highlighted the importance of tackling stigma, misinformation, and financial barriers, alongside ensuring services that are dignified and community-centred.

Strengthening the National Cancer Registry—currently laboratory-confirmed with a two-year lag—was also identified as key for planning and accountability, requiring stable funding and improved reporting from private and clinical sectors.

The collective message was clear: we have strong policies and proven tools. What is needed now is accelerated implementation, accountability, and unwavering commitment to patient dignity and equitable access—so that no woman dies from a preventable disease.

We are grateful for the collaboration with MSD, Abbott, and Roche.

20/11/2025

DataBridge360° Sakha amabriji.

👉 https://databridge360.hst.org.za/
👉 https://youtu.be/mMojQglYnWk?si=Zllb_4Wdxp-BYxCk

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12/11/2025

DataBridge360 ° E theha marokho.

👉 https://databridge360.hst.org.za/
👉 https://youtu.be/mMojQglYnWk?si=Zllb_4Wdxp-BYxCk

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