Abstract
South Africa accounts for 14% of all new HIV infections representing the highest annual rate of new HIV infections globally. In addition, South Africa is home to 21% of the worldwide HIV burden, with 7.97 million people living with HIV. HIV not only affects the health of those living with the virus but also impacts their economic well-being. The study aimed to develop an in-depth understanding of the accessibility of anti-retroviral treatment in the farming communities of the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province. The study was conducted in two local municipalities of OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province. A qualitative approach was used to explore and describe the accessibility of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) in the farming communities. The study revealed that travelling long distances, transport costs, lack of transportation and traditional beliefs were the major barriers for farming communities to access ART. The findings of the study propose that poor access to ART in farming communities is linked to socio-cultural status, weak social support and limiting socioeconomic status. The Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health's management can use the study's findings for recommendations to the National Department of Health management on how to improve HIV roll-out initiatives.
Published Version
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