Sunshine Nation NPO 311-451

23/06/2026

23/06/2026

The impact of Substance Use is often felt not only by the person experiencing it, but also by families, friendships, relationships, and entire support systems.

Join SADAG’s Online Ask the Expert session as we unpack the realities faced by loved ones of people affected by Substance Use while sharing information, support, understanding, and practical guidance.

🗓️ Friday, 26 June 2026
🕐 Live at 1PM
📍 Facebook:

23/06/2026

Information is key!

Elderly women who received the first roll-out of HIV treatment in 2005 and who are still alive have been “swallowed” by the healthcare system, with little long-term support available.

23/06/2026

QUERY OF THE WEEK:
A nurse from Gauteng called, asking about her patient, a 26-year old man who started TLD 10 months ago. His 3-month (3DC) VL was < 50 c/mL and he was seen at month 4 (4DCs) where his 3-month VL was discussed.

At that visit, he chose to join a RPCs so he could collect is ART at the Clicks close to his work, which he did , at M7/7DCs. He is back today and has had bloods drawn for his 10-month (10 DCs) VL. He is clinically well.

The nurse is unsure about when she should ask the client to return and rescript?

ANSWER:
As per the 2026 NDOH HIV Guidelines, for VLs subsequent to the 3-month (3 DCs) one, clinically well clients should not be required to come back to the facility the following month for VL result review prior to rescript. Clients should be rescripted at the same visit that their VL is taken.

This, clinically well, client should return only when his next clinical review is needed in 6 months' time (M16; 16 DCs). He will collect his second batch of 3-months of ART at M13/13DCs, from Clicks. He should be counselled that, should he feel unwell, he should return immediately.

IMPORTANTLY, facilities should ensure that results management processes are in place to ensure that results are reviewed by a clinician, and any client with an elevated VL or other abnormal result is recalled to the clinic immediately.

The visit schedule on Page 42 of the 2026 NDOH HIV Guidelines (see image) is very useful.

We welcome calls from all HCWs. No question is too simple (or too complicated): we're happy to help with them all, and the more complicated ones, we discuss with experienced HIV consultants!

If you need help with your HIV- and/or TB-infected patients, feel free to phone us on the toll-free Hotline - 0800 212 506 - and we'll gladly help you.

23/06/2026

Amazing work mnr!

18/06/2026

Are you passionate about youth Mental Health and making a difference in your community?
SADAG is looking for young leaders, advocates, and changemakers to join its Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). As a YAC member, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to Mental Health campaigns, develop leadership skills, connect with young people from across South Africa, and help shape youth Mental Health initiatives. If you’re eager to learn, collaborate, and make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications open on 16 June 2026 and close on 30 June 2026.

Click here to apply: https://buff.ly/BHE754u

18/06/2026

Young people are carrying more than we often realise, pressure to succeed, uncertainty about the future, social expectations, and silent struggles.

Better Mental Health support starts with listening, safe spaces, access to help, and reminding young people they don’t have to navigate life alone.

What do you think young people need most today to support their Mental Health? Share your thoughts below

18/06/2026

HIV treatment has been improved and simplified significantly over the years yet a small fraction of people living with HIV still take complex multi-pill regimens. Elri Voigt reports on a new combination pill that could make life easier for some in this group. But as two leading experts point out, th...

18/06/2026

HIV transmission risk is strongly linked to viral load — the amount of HIV in the blood.

⬆️ Unsuppressed viral load: Above 1,000 copies/mL.
At this level, HIV can be transmitted through s*x, blood, and from mother to child if prevention or treatment is not used.

⬇️ Suppressed viral load (WHO treatment monitoring/public health definition): 1,000 copies/mL or less (≤1,000 copies/mL)
This means HIV treatment is working to lower the amount of virus in the body and improve health.

⭐ Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)
For s*xual transmission, the scientifically proven U=U threshold is a viral load below 200 copies/mL (