HIVSA

What HIVSA does

HIVSA is a Section 21 non-profit company founded in 2002 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, that implements community-based HIV prevention, paediatric and adolescent HIV case finding, treatment adherence support, gender-based violence prevention, economic strengthening, and educational support programmes for children, adolescents, and young women in high-HIV-burden communities. The organization operates across five provincial districts (City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Sedibeng, North-West, and Limpopo) through a network of 67+ Community-Based Organisation sub-partners and 100+ Community Care Workers, delivering household-level interventions supported by formal MoUs with the South African Departments of Health and Social Development. Documented outcomes include 109,038 households strengthened, 82,087 OVCA&Y served, 10,752 C/ALHIV served, and 300,000+ PHVP participants reached since 2019 with 99% HIV status awareness, 96% on ART, and 62% viral suppression.

HIVSA's product portfolio combines in-person community programming with a multi-platform digital ecosystem. The flagship is Choma Magazine, an interactive digital platform operational since 2013 that provides SRH, HIV prevention, mental health, and lifestyle content across web, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, YouTube, and WhatsApp and has reached over 4 million users. Supporting digital properties include Ask Choma (human-moderated anonymous psychosocial support), WeCare (a digital mental wellbeing community co-created with RNW Media in August 2023), Choma Care (a 2024 e-commerce platform offering virtual GP consultations, PrEP/STI consultations, mental health services, and HIV self-test kits), Choma Plus (a 2024 digital advertising inventory), and the NextGen Capacity Hub (a hybrid QCTO-accredited training platform). Physical infrastructure includes Choma Innovation Cafés, refurbished shipping containers with internet-connected Chromebooks deployed at CBO sites. Evidence-based proprietary curricula (Vhutshilo 1-3, KIDZ Alive, Risiha model) underpin community delivery.

HIVSA's revenue model is anchored in institutional grants and donations from USAID/PEPFAR, Unitaid, the National Lotteries Commission, the Industrial Development Corporation, Discovery Fund, and the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, with secondary revenue from paid QCTO-accredited training courses (e.g., Social Auxiliary Worker at ZAR 24,158.67), advertising on Choma Plus, transactional revenue from Choma Care, and corporate ESG partnerships. Distribution is primarily through CBO sub-partners, DoH and DSD facilities, Choma Innovation Cafés, and 24/7 digital self-service channels. The organisation issues Section 18A certificates enabling South African donors to claim SARS tax credits.

Name

HIVSA

Legal name

HIVSA NPC

Website

https://hivsa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

HIVSA is a Johannesburg-based non-profit founded in 2002 that delivers community-based HIV prevention, paediatric treatment support, and youth sexual and reproductive health programmes in South Africa through 67+ CBO partners and a digital ecosystem anchored by Choma Magazine, Choma Care, and NextGen Capacity Hub.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Health and HIV Services

NAICS

Social Assistance (624), Child and Youth Services (62411), Individual and Family Services (6241)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Disease-Specific Global Programs (HIV/TB/Malaria/NTDs) (HLAJAKAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health (MNCAH) NGOs (HLAJAKAG), Disease-Specific Global Initiatives (HIV/TB/Malaria/NTDs) (HLAJAOAE)

Keywords

• Community HIV programmes
• Youth health education
• HIV prevention services
• Accredited healthcare training
• Digital sexual health platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Johannesburg

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Grants and Donations: As a Section 21 non-profit company, HIVSA's primary revenue consists of grants and donations from institutional donors (USAID/PEPFAR, Unitaid, National Lotteries Commission, Discovery Fund, Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). Donors receive Section 18A certificates for tax credits.
2. Training and Education Services: HIVSA's NextGen Capacity Hub offers accredited occupational qualifications (e.g., Occupational Certificate: Social Auxiliary Worker at R24,158.67; Social Counselling Support Worker at R23,182.03) and non-accredited courses to healthcare professionals, NGOs, and private clients. Revenue from course fees.
3. Digital Advertising (Choma Plus): Choma Plus generates revenue by selling targeted digital advertising space to private investors and brands within the Choma Care platform, aligning businesses with a health-conscious youth audience.
4. Healthcare Services (Choma Care): Choma Care e-commerce platform provides virtual healthcare consultations and health products (HIV self-test kits, pregnancy tests, morning-after pills) to users, enabling improved health outcomes and potential revenue generation.
5. Corporate ESG Partnerships: HIVSA offers corporations partnership opportunities aligned with their ESG strategies, delivering social impact through community health programmes. Revenue includes direct donations, payroll giving, and project-specific funding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

HIVSA is a Section 21 non-profit company that delivers community-based HIV prevention, treatment adherence, and psychosocial support services to vulnerable children, adolescents, and youth in South Africa. Its portfolio combines household-level delivery by Community Care Workers with a digital ecosystem (Choma Magazine, Choma Care, WeCare, NextGen Capacity Hub) for youth health engagement and accredited training of healthcare professionals.

Product overview

HIVSA is a non-profit organisation operating a multi-product portfolio focused on community health, HIV prevention, and youth empowerment in South Africa. The core digital products include Choma Online Magazine (flagship interactive platform since 2013), Choma Care (e-commerce health services platform), Choma Plus (digital advertising), Ask Choma (anonymous psychosocial support), and WeCare (mental wellbeing programme). Supporting programmes include the NextGen Capacity Hub (training platform), Social Employment Fund, Tshireletso Project, and evidence-based curricula (Vhutshilo, KIDZ Alive). The organisation implements OVC, DREAMS, PHVP, and CAFHE programmes through partnerships with Community-Based Organisations across Gauteng, North West, and Limpopo provinces.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Choma Magazine: Flagship digital platform empowering young women through health education, lifestyle content, and personal development. Provides information about HIV prevention, care, treatment, mental health, relationships, and gender-based violence.
• Ask Choma
• WeCare
• Choma Care
• Choma Plus
• NextGen Capacity Hub

Products and services

• Choma Online Magazine Interactive digital platform providing sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, mental health, and lifestyle content targeted at young South Africans aged 15-25. Operational since 2013 and reached over 4 million users across web, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, YouTube, and WhatsApp.
• Choma Care E-commerce healthcare platform providing affordable virtual medical consultations and health products (GP visits, family planning, STI and PrEP consultations, mental health services, HIV self-test kits, pregnancy tests, morning-after pill) to registered youth users in South Africa.
• WeCare Mental Wellbeing Programme Digital storytelling and moderated community platform co-created with RNW Media that provides a safe online space for youth aged 15-29 to share mental health experiences, access peer support, and receive self-care resources.
• NextGen Capacity Hub Hybrid online training platform offering accredited occupational qualifications (e.g., Occupational Certificate: Social Auxiliary Worker at NQF Level 5) and non-accredited courses in Basic HAST, HIV Testing and Counselling, Differentiated Models of Care, Child and Adolescent Disclosure Counselling, Index Partner Notification, and Couples Counselling for healthcare professionals and NGOs.
• Preventing HIV/AIDS in Vulnerable Populations (PHVP) PEPFAR/USAID-funded community programme providing paediatric and adolescent HIV case finding, linkage to ART, adherence support, and household-level interventions through 67+ CBO sub-partners across Gauteng, North West, and Limpopo.
• OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) Programme Integrated OVC programme combining HIV prevention, paediatric case finding, treatment support, psychosocial support, and socio-economic empowerment for children and adolescents affected by HIV.
• DREAMS Programme Layered DREAMS interventions for Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) including HIV prevention, SRH education, economic strengthening, educational support, and access to PrEP.
• Social Employment Fund Programme IDC-funded youth employment programme providing part-time community health intervention placements for ~3,000 young people through up to 30 CBO partners, deployed on HIV, health, and social interventions.
• Tshireletso Project National Lotteries Commission-funded HIV prevention programme operating across Limpopo and North-West provinces with 20 CBO partners, focused on institutional strengthening, mentorship, and government partnerships.
• Choma Care App Mobile application that enables South African users to register and access Choma Care's virtual consultations, family planning, STI/PrEP services, mental health support, and health products from a mobile device.

Quantifiable outcome

• 109,038 households strengthened; 82,087 OVCA&Y served; 10,752 C/ALHIV served
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• YES4YouthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHIVSA signed an MoU with YES4Youth in 2020 to place existing or graduated beneficiaries at HIVSA implementation sites through corporate sponsorships. First cohort of 11 female youth placed in July 2021 across finance, digital media, M&E, and programme departments. Additional 11 youth placed October 2021.
• RNW Media (now WeCare)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeCare digital storytelling initiative co-created by HIVSA and RNW Media, targeting youth aged 15-29. Provides a safe moderated digital space for mental health support, peer sharing, and emotional wellbeing resources. Launched August 2023.
• Future FamiliescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSub-partner in Mamelodi, Tshwane, implementing PHVP programme. Founded 2010, focused on care and support for families impacted by HIV/AIDS. Collaborates with Shout-It-Now and WRHI on HIV testing, PrEP, GBV/STI screening. Hosted USAID Nelson Mandela Day site visit in July 2024.
• Ratang Bana Future for ChildrencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSub-partner in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg. Established 2010. Implements USAID-funded PHVP programme with ~50 staff. Provides psychosocial, nutritional, educational support, counselling, and drug abuse prevention. Hosted high-level visits from USAID, U.S. Congressional delegation, and Senator Lindsay Graham.
• Ikageng Itireleng AIDS MinistrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSub-partner on PHVP programme in Gauteng (Johannesburg, Alexandra, Soweto). Part of collaboration showcased during U.S. Congressional delegation visit in February 2023.
• Wits RHI (WRHI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in PHVP implementation, focusing on key populations including children of female sex workers, and DSP collaboration for C/ALHIV case management. Provides clinical support including Kidz Alive, Vhutshilo 3, and Abangane programme implementation.
• Shout-It-NowcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing HIV Testing Services (HTS), Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and GBV/STI screening for adolescents and young people under the PHVP programme through collaboration with Future Families.
• Anova Health InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHIVSA collaborates with Anova Health Institute under the Akani Programme (Health Systems Strengthening domain), providing holistic health and social interventions.
• PACTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a current partner on HIVSA's stakeholder page.
• ARHI (African Health Markets)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a current partner on HIVSA's stakeholder page. Supports health systems strengthening activities.
• Aurum InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a current partner on HIVSA's stakeholder page. Aurum is a prominent South African health research and implementation organisation.
• NACOSAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a past donor and partner on HIVSA's stakeholder page.
• South African Department of Health (DoH)coreOthersHIVSA has MoUs with DoH for programme implementation. Works with DoH Regional Training Centres to train clinical and non-clinical staff including Community Health Workers. DOH personnel are trained through NextGen Capacity Hub courses.
• South African Department of Social Development (DSD)coreOthersHIVSA has MoUs with DSD. PHVP programme implemented in collaboration with DSD. DSD-funded CBOs are HIVSA's primary implementation partners. Minster Lindiwe Zulu and DG Linton Mchunu participated in U.S. Congressional delegation site visit.
• Yezingane NetworkminorOthersHIVSA CEO Yashmita Naidoo serves as an Executive Member of the Yezingane Network, which represents the children's sector at the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC).

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Direct peers

• NACOSA: South African networking HIV/AIDS community of practice that funds and coordinates community-based responses. Listed as a past donor/partner of HIVSA with very similar CBO capacity-strengthening and HIV prevention scope.
• Anova Health Institute: South African health NPO focused on HIV/TB and key populations, working with government and donors. HIVSA explicitly lists Anova as a collaborator under the Akani Programme, and the organisational model and donor mix are highly comparable.
• Shout-It-Now: South African NPO delivering community-based HIV testing, PrEP, and GBV/STI services. A named PHVP partner of HIVSA via Future Families, with directly comparable youth-focused HIV service delivery.
• Aurum Institute: South African health research and implementation organisation with major HIV/TB programmes and global footprint. Board member Dino Rech formerly worked at Aurum, and the organisations operate in the same donor-funded HIV implementation space.
• loveLife: South Africa's largest youth-focused HIV prevention organisation, operating digital platforms, call centres, and community programmes for AGYW. Directly comparable to Choma Magazine's audience and mission.
• Centre for HIV-AIDS Prevention Studies (CHAPS): South African organisation running large-scale voluntary medical male circumcision and HIV prevention programmes. Board member Dino Rech previously worked at CHAPS, and the operating model mirrors HIVSA's implementation depth.
• Right to Care: South African non-profit implementing large-scale HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and capacity-building programmes across multiple provinces with PEPFAR/CDC funding. Directly comparable funding model, beneficiary profile, and donor exposure to HIVSA.
• Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI): Johannesburg-based HIV/SRH research and implementation institute affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand. Already a programme partner of HIVSA under PHVP, and operates AGYW and paediatric HIV programmes with comparable target populations.

Broad incumbents

• Pact: Global development organisation with PEPFAR-funded HIV and OVC programmes, including in South Africa. Listed as a current partner of HIVSA and provides a peer at broader scale and similar donor mix.

Emerging players

• Brothers for Life: South African social and behaviour change campaign targeting men and boys on HIV, GBV, and positive masculinity. Operates in the same HIV/AGYW behavioural change space as HIVSA's Choma and WeCare platforms.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HIVSA4
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/uCLdlsju_dDVJSjMl0znNdW
• Facebookfacebook.com/hivsa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hivsa
• Instagraminstagram.com/choma_mag

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HIVSA