DIMA Health Pre-Launches Digital System to Strengthen HIV and TB Patient Tracking
- FHS Communications
On 26 November 2025, DIMA Health, in partnership with the Get Ready Centre, the University of the Witwatersrand, RISA and UK International Development, hosted a pre-launch event at the Sinqobile Centre in Mamelodi East.
The event unveiled a ground-breaking digital health solution designed to strengthen HIV and TB care and improve patient experience across South Africa’s public health system.
This initiative forms part of the national “Tracking 1.1 Million HIV Clients and 5 Million TB Clients Closing Campaign,” and introduces a USSD(*120*7331#) based clinic booking system that allows clients to schedule appointments remotely; without airtime, data, or a smartphone.
The digital booking platform aims to transform how patients access care. Through the USSD number, clients can book appointments from home, select a convenient time, receive reminders, and avoid long queues at clinics. For the health system, this reduces overcrowding, supports smoother patient flow, and eases the administrative burden on nurses.
The system also supports maternal and community health by helping mothers, babies, and other vulnerable groups receive timely, uninterrupted care.
Nicole Mamadi, a Stakeholder Engagement Officer at DIMA Health, described the pre-launch as a significant milestone for both the organisation and the community.
Nicole explained that the booking system is designed to make clinic access easier and more flexible. “Clients can now book from home or anywhere using their phones, which reduces the overwhelming pressure often placed on nurses and clinic staff.”
She added that community turnout demonstrated strong enthusiasm, noting that many attendees welcomed a digital system that is convenient and eliminates the long walks and long waiting times that have historically discouraged people from seeking care.
Ma ’ambassadors: community-based maternal health champions trained by DIMA Health and selected from existing Community Health Workers (CHWs) have also played a vital role in bridging the gap between clinics and communities. Get Ready ambassador Jabulile Mthombeni, stationed at Olivenhoutbosch Clinic highlighted that the digital system has been valuable during the 1.1 million client campaign. “Clients have long complained about queues, but since introducing the digital booking system, it’s now easy because they can book from home,” she said.
Jabulile explained that ambassadors assist walk-ins by helping them book on the spot and ensuring that clients schedule their next appointments before leaving. She noted that both clinic staff and residents responded positively during the pre-launch, arriving in large numbers to learn about the system.
The event showcased strong collaboration between municipal leadership, academia, civil society and health partners. With support from the City of Tshwane, RISA and the Department of Health, the system is expected to:
- Reduce loss to follow-up
- Improve patient experience
- Strengthen facility efficiency
- Enhance data use for decision-making
- Support more connected and resilient health systems
These goals align with DIMA Health’s broader mission to strengthen and connect health systems in Africa through digital innovation for maternal and community health.
As South Africa continues its fight against HIV and TB, digital tools like the DIMA Health booking platform represent a crucial step forward. By improving access, reducing barriers, and making the health system more responsive to community needs, this innovation has the potential to advance continuity of care for millions of clients nationwide.