In the fight against HIV/Aids, the world managed to put almost 40 million people on antiretroviral therapy in 2023. More than 5,1 million are in South Africa. The country is the epicentre of the epidemic and has adopted the United Nations 95-95-95 strategy to end Aids as a public health threat by 2030, and the World Health Organization’s Universal Test and Treat for individuals living with HIV. All this could be challenged by the level of ART adherence.

This study aimed to explore the factors affecting ART adherence for individuals living with HIV in Pomeroy Health Centre HAST Clinic. Participants were purposefully sampled and interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to identify and describe how individuals living with HIV perceived ART, barriers associated with ART adherence, and facilitators to adherence.

The findings show that there are generally positive perceptions of ART, as the good health experienced when adhering to treatment and family support are facilitators. However, stigma, unemployment and financial constraints remain challenges. It is critical to improve ART adherence to establish interventions that tackle all the factors that influence it, especially in rural areas.