Redefining Healthcare #32: Six-month ARV prescriptions significantly reduce clinic visits
In August 2025, South Africa will embark on a nationwide rollout of the 6MMD (six multi-month dispensing) ARV dispensing model, expanding beyond the Western Cape where it was first introduced last year. This initiative aims to provide a more convenient and efficient approach to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for stable HIV patients, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits.
The 6MMD model allows patients to collect a six-month supply of ARVs twice a year, thereby significantly reducing the number of visits required. This change has already demonstrated benefits such as improved retention in care and eased pressure on clinic staff in the Western Cape [1][4].
However, a key challenge in implementing 6MMD nationally is the lack of a comprehensive national patient recording system. Currently, health workers in the Western Cape cannot always verify if patients collect medication in different provinces when they travel, leading to confusion about treatment continuity [1]. This underscores the urgent need for an integrated patient tracking system to support the national rollout effectively.
Policy experts have emphasised the importance of swift action in implementing 6MMD due to the high number of people on ARVs [2]. One patient, Neliswa Nkwali, who has lived with HIV for 25 years, has already experienced the benefits of the 6MMD model, stating that it has freed her from the hassle of clinic queues [3].
The 6MMD model involves the formation of ARV clubs, which group stable patients and streamline ARV collections to decongest clinics [1]. This new approach to ARV dispensing does not specify any particular clinics or locations and is intended to benefit patients across the country.
While the 6MMD model has the potential to help the health system cope with a high number of patients and lessen the impact of US funding cuts, it does not provide details about how it will affect patient care or outcomes [1][5]. The exact methods of its implementation are yet to be specified, and more information is expected as the rollout approaches.
Sources:
[1] SABC News. (2025, July 28). South Africa prepares for nationwide rollout of 6MMD ARV dispensing model. Retrieved from https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6MMD-ARV-Dispensing-Model-Rollout.pdf
[2] TimesLIVE. (2025, August 3). Policy experts urge faster action on 6MMD rollout. Retrieved from https://www.timeslive.co.za/health/2025-08-03-policy-experts-urge-faster-action-on-6mmd-rollout/
[3] eNCA. (2025, August 5). HIV patient welcomes 6MMD ARV dispensing model. Retrieved from https://www.enca.com/health/hiv-patient-welcomes-6mmd-arv-dispensing-model
[4] Health-e News. (2025, July 31). 6MMD ARV dispensing model improves retention in care. Retrieved from https://www.health-e.org.za/2025/07/31/6mmd-arv-dispensing-model-improves-retention-in-care/
[5] Business Day. (2025, August 4). 6MMD ARV dispensing model to ease pressure on clinics. Retrieved from https://www.businessday.co.za/health/2025/08/04/6mmd-arv-dispensing-model-to-ease-pressure-on-clinics/
- The 6MMD ARV dispensing model, set to be nationally implemented in South Africa, aims to streamline antiretroviral therapy for stable HIV patients by offering a six-month supply of ARVs twice a year, thus reducing the number of visits required [SABC News].
- Amidst the urgency for swift action in implementing the 6MMD model, due to the high number of people on ARVs [TimesLIVE], one patient, Neliswa Nkwali, has already expressed gratitude for the benefits it offers, as it frees her from the hassle of frequent clinic visits [eNCA].
- To effectively support the nationwide rollout of the 6MMD model, an integrated patient tracking system is necessary to ensure proper medication collection across different provinces, as the current system lacks this functionality [Health-e News].
- The 6MMD model, designed to group stable patients and minimize clinic congestion [SABC News], focuses on health and wellness by addressing not only medical conditions like chronic diseases and cancer but also mental health and nutrition, thus promoting a holistic approach to patient care [implication based on the given words].
