Residents are encouraged to test for HIV

Kwa-Thema – Decades after Aids became a reality, scores of people are still dying from the disease.
These deaths occur despite preventative measures and treatment being freely available.
SA accounts for an immense number of new infections globally. The CoE today joins the world in marking World Aids Day.
This year’s theme is Let Communities Lead. In line with the theme, the municipality urges residents to work in tandem to destigmatise access to health tools and encourage those infected to go on antiretrovirals (ARVs) immediately.
“Communities can remove any shame associated with acquiring free condoms or sitting in a queue at the clinic to get tested or receive ARVs.
“A message of normality and easy access to these health services should be promoted not just by healthcare providers, but communities as well,” says Mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana.
HIV/Aids is a chronic condition which can easily be avoided and even managed without any deaths.
A recent study by the SA Human Sciences Research Council revealed that about 7.8 million people were infected last year, and over a million people live without knowing their status because of a fear of testing.
“The time has come for us as individuals to stop unnecessary infections and deaths by encouraging people to go for voluntary tests so they can know their status and apply the necessary life-prolonging health measures freely available in SA,” said Ngodwana.
The city reminds the public that its 93 health facilities offer help and support for HIV and Aids.