Question
How can I get my meds in South Africa now?
29 August 2025. Related: Adherence, All topics, CD4 and viral load, Southern Africa, Stopping treatment.
Hi I’m in South Africa I can’t get my medication because I am a foreigner and they now say I need an SA passport.
I went to my local clinic to collect my ARVs treatment as usual but they said no one is allowed to enter the clinic without an SA. Then I went back to collect my Passport today so that I can get help and again they said there is no treatment for foreigners at all Government clinic’s.
Around my area they do the same. what must I do because they stand outside gate to stop people – ie at Thuthukani clinic, Rabbaridge clinic, Ebony Park Clinic etc.
Please please help now It’s been more than 4 months without treatment and I am not working. I am taking ARVS from Thuthukani clinic today is August 29. I went to Rabbaridge clinic they did the same and people need help from Rabbaridge clinic.
When I visit the clinic the security won’t let me inside unless I can show an SA passport.
Will the pharmacy help me or I need to buy them?
Plz help. I stated them in clinic 4 months ago iam worried about my viral loud because it was bad.
Answer
Hi there
Thanks for your email and for getting in touch.
Although i-Base is in the UK, the guidelines in South Africa say that you should still be able to get your meds.
Please contact the head of the clinic to explain what is happening.
I am really sorry that this is happening but I am sure there will be a way to get your meds again.
You could also email GroundUp in confidence to discuss this as they might be able to help:
Hello Gugu and thanks for getting in touch.
I am afraid we are based in the UK and can offer little help with your problem.
I would advise getting in touch with a clinic near you and registering with them.
In the UK that clinic would ask your first clinic for the records.
If that doesn’t work perhaps your old clinic can send you the letter with an email.
It’s good to be on ARVs as this protects your immune system and ensures you can have a full and active life.
Hello Noxolo and thanks for getting in touch.
I am afraid we are based in the UK and can offer little help with your problem.
I would advise getting in touch with a clinic near you and registering with them.
In the UK that clinic would ask your first clinic for the records.
If that doesn’t work perhaps your old clinic can send you the letter with an email.
It’s good to be on ARVs as this protects your immune system and ensures you can have a full and active life.
Am also having a problem its been years not being able to take my arv because I moved to another place in mpumalanga witbank n forgot my transfer lette
Am also having a problem its been years not being able to take my arv because I moved to another place n forgot my transfer letter
Hi Sithokozile, I am sorry you are having this trouble. I don’t know about different clinics but everyone in South Africa should be avble to get free HIV treatment.
You could also email GroundUp in confidence to discuss this as they might be able to help:
info@groundup.org.za
I went to Rabieridge clinic to collect my medication. They want only people with ID. I’m using my passport. I’m asking for a help for my husband who is a South African