UKZN Lecturer First Nurse to Co-Chair SA HIV Clinicians Society Conference

The 7th Southern African HIV Clinicians Society Conference (SAHCS) was held in Cape Town this year, with UKZN’s Nursing lecturer and second-year co-ordinator, Dr Silingene Ngcobo, being the first professional nurse to serve as a co-chair in the conference’s history.

A popular biennial conference recognised for its leadership in HIV activism and management, SAHCS 2025 focused on: ‘Innovation to Impact: People-Centred Advances in HIV’.

The other Co-Chair was Dr Nomathemba Chandiwana of the Desmond Tutu Foundation.

Said Ngcobo: “Since the inaugural conference in 2012, significant strides have been made in the fight against HIV, TB, and associated illnesses. However, our journey doesn’t end here; we strive for further advancements. At SAHCS 2025, our dedication remained unwavering as we aimed to enhance evidence-based HIV management and inspire our participants to excel in HIV prevention, care and treatment. Despite facing challenges, healthcare professionals in South Africa continue to uphold the world’s largest HIV treatment programme with unparalleled commitment.”

Ngcobo said the conference content and programming included a strong emphasis on community-level implementation, nursing perspectives and educational strategies. “Inter-professional and advocacy-focused approaches were integrated into workshops, plenary sessions and discussions.

“I helped shape the conference’s strategic direction, especially around nursing, education and community-based HIV care; ensured representation of practical, implementation-focused research in the programme, and fostered discussions that embraced interprofessional collaboration and health advocacy, reflecting my areas of expertise.”

Ngcobo said her role as a professional nurse was important to note because nurse-led HIV programmes formed the cornerstone of South Africa’s HIV response, particularly in primary healthcare and community settings. “Through the implementation of Nurse-Initiated and Managed Antiretroviral Therapy (NIMART), nurses are empowered to provide comprehensive services, including HIV testing, antiretroviral initiation and monitoring, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and integration of HIV and tuberculosis care.

“Evidence demonstrates that outcomes of nurse-led ART, such as viral suppression and retention in care, are comparable to those achieved under physician-led models, thereby significantly expanding access to treatment in underserved communities. Despite challenges such as high patient caseloads, limited resources and persistent stigma, these programmes exemplify successful task-shifting and continue to advance equitable, people-centred HIV care.”

Ngcobo said she enjoyed setting the tone and vision for the meeting, the handover sessions and welcoming delegates.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Supplied