AI, SELF-CARE and THE FUTURE OF HIV SERVICE DELIVERY
Stakeholder & Research Convening | 10 March 2026 | Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
On 10 March 2026, Audere Africa, Shout-It-Now, and the National Department of Health (NDoH) convened a timely stakeholder brunch in Johannesburg, bringing together researchers, implementers, government representatives, funders, and community advocates to examine the role of AI-enabled consumer self-care tools in strengthening HIV prevention and primary health care (PHC) delivery in South Africa.
The session drew on multiple research studies and early implementations to inform quality dialogue on AI opportunities, limitations, and scalability across government health priorities, while underscoring the critical need for cross-sector collaboration and a move away from siloed interventions.
Why This Conversation, and Why Now?
AI-enabled self-care tools such as digital coaches, conversational agents, decision-support platforms are already being tested in public sector and partner programmes. They are not intended to replace clinical care, but to support earlier patient engagement, more effective and targeted demand creation, and continuity of care between clinic visits. Emerging evidence suggests these tools can reduce stigma barriers, personalise HIV prevention guidance, and generate real-time insights for programme improvement.
Download the convening brief and insights
What’s included in the brief? An overview of the convening, speakers, and insights from the range of experts presenting AI implementation insights from Southern Africa. Speakers include:
Dr. Ntombifikile Mtshali, CEO Shout-It-Now
Dr. Fikile Ndlovu, Deputy Director General, South Africa National Department of Health
Dr. Thembisile Xulu, CEO SANAC
Dr. Thato Chidarikire , National HIV Prevention Technical Lead, WHO SA Country Office
Dr. Dino Rech, CEO Audere Africa
Caroline Govathson, Indlela @ HE²RO, Wits University
Dr. Alexandra Spyrelis, Shout-It-Now
Chelsea Coakley, Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town
Shawn Malone, PSI, and representing Wits Health Consortium
Dr Primrose Matambanadzo, CeSHHAR Zimbabwe
Andiswa Nene, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
Dr. Thulani Mbatha, Head of Programs, UNFPA
Dr. Harsha Dayal, Director | Research & Knowledge Management, DPME South Africa Office of the Presidency
Prof. Brad Beira, Digital/AI Medico Legal Expert
