Activities in 2025
Between July and September, 2025, anti-migrant groups camped outside dozens of clinics and hospitals in Gauteng, preventing foreign nationals, including pregnant women and people living with HIV, from seeking medical care. In response, our teams refilled antiretroviral medication for HIV patients who could not collect it from the blocked health facilities, and we referred patients to alternative health facilities unaffected by blockages.
Throughout 2025, we continued to run a project focusing on non-communicable diseases in Butterworth, Eastern Cape province, in partnership with the Department of Health. To strengthen disease management skills, we launched a side-by-side nurse mentorship and coaching program across seven facilities and provided classroom-based training for health professionals in 60 Department of Health facilities.
To promote patient well-being, we piloted healthy lifestyle groups with two community-based organizations, focusing on educating members about nutrition, diet, and exercise. Participants were encouraged to engage in healthy cooking and gardening activities organized in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.
Our teams piloted the use of HbA1c blood testing for diabetes at five of the seven facilities where we provided training. In addition, we donated equipment and supplies for the management and diagnosis of non-communicable diseases, such as digital blood pressure monitors, vital sign monitors, height and weight scales, and glucometers.
MSF teams also renovated and equipped an additional external pick-up point for medication. Pick-up points provide reliable and accessible medicines for patients with chronic diseases, and are managed by trained community members who distribute the medication to patients free of charge on behalf of the government.
