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Wits RHI

Operation Gophelega

Infectious Diseases

Operation Gophelega: Strengthening HIV and TB Services in Gauteng’s Tshwane and Ekurhuleni Districts.

Rationale and Objectives

Operation Gophelega, launched in January 2022, represents one of the largest grants ever received by Wits RHI from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With a five-year funding period, this initiative is focused on enhancing the delivery of HIV and tuberculosis (TB) services in the Tshwane and Ekurhuleni districts of Gauteng, South Africa.

The core objective of Operation Gophelega is to improve and innovate HIV/TB prevention, treatment, and care systems by working closely with local district health services. This collaborative effort aims to introduce new approaches and innovative healthcare models, building on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and the success of previous district support partnerships. Ultimately, the programme seeks to increase access to care, improve retention rates, and support the achievement of key health outcomes, including viral suppression and improved quality of life for those living with HIV and TB.

Key Achievements

Operation Gophelega has made significant strides in several key areas:

  • HIV Testing and Linkage to Care: The programme tested nearly 2 million individuals for HIV, with over 50,000 diagnosed as HIV-positive. More than 90% of these individuals were successfully linked to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Additionally, an innovative Index Testing approach led to a 15% positivity rate when testing sexual partners and children of HIV-positive patients.
  • Community-Based Mobile Services: The scaling up of community ART initiation through Wits RHI’s mobile clinics improved outreach and care for hard-to-reach populations, increasing mobile clinics from 6 to 14.
  • Retention in Care and Viral Suppression: Retention rates remain a challenge due to factors like migration and psychosocial barriers, yet the programme has maintained retention at 86% and viral suppression at 96%. Efforts like tracking, home medication delivery, and decentralized care through CCMDD have improved patient outcomes and reduced facility congestion.
  • Peer Support Initiatives: The establishment of Men’s Corners at 10 facilities in both Tshwane and Ekurhuleni has expanded access to health services for men, ensuring they receive comprehensive HIV and TB care.
  • Innovative Virtual Case Management: The introduction of Quick Res, a virtual case management system in Ekurhuleni, has significantly boosted retention rates and viral suppression, improving patient adherence.

Programme Sites 

Operation Gophelega operates in collaboration with district health authorities in Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, with Wits RHI leading the initiative as the primary recipient of the PEPFAR grant.

Key study sites include:

  • Tshwane District Health Services: A focus on improving HIV/TB care delivery at key facilities in this metropolitan region.
  • Ekurhuleni District Health Services: Targeting hard-to-reach communities with mobile services and innovative health delivery models.