Nontskolo Tantiso had been feeling unwell for several months, but attempts to establish whether she may need antiretroviral treatment have seen her being sent from pillar to post.

The young woman slowly slides the neatly folded papers from the envelope and gingerly places the three documents on the rickety table.

Hundreds of patients are being denied antiretroviral treatment in the Free State. During a visit to Welkom'€™s Bongani Hospital last week Anso Thom and Lungi Langa spoke to three young men who are staring death in the face.