Mayor of Ekurhuleni Tania Campbell called for global solidarity and shared responsibility in the fight against HIV/Aids.
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Campbell called for solidarity during her welcome address at the World Aids Day Commemoration event held at the Duduza Multi-Purpose Centre on December 1.
The event was hosted by Gauteng Premier David Makhura on behalf of the Gauteng government under the theme Working Together to End Inequalities, Aids, TB and Covid-19: Get Tested, Get Vaccinated, Adhere to Treatment.
Activities of the day included free HIV testing, counselling, free condom distribution and Covid-19 vaccination.
“The alleviation of any pandemic depends on global solidarity and shared responsibility,” said Campbell.
“Our fight against the spread of HIV/Aids and Covid-19 can and will be won, but it is going to require that we all play our part.”
At the event, it was revealed that the City of Ekurhulenei (CoE) has the second-highest number of HIV patients in Gauteng, and the third-highest nationally.
According to CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, there are 56 4900 people aged 15 years and older with HIV in Ekurhuleni.
Besides highlighting the importance of working together, a candle-lighting ceremony was also held in memory of those who have died, and to keep the candle of faith burning for those who are affected and infected by HIV.
A spokesperson for the office of the mayor Phakamile Mbengashe said in the hopes of reducing the number of infections in the region, CoE established an Aids Council in 2019.
The council represents 19 sectors that assist in the fight against HIV/Aids.
Mbengashe said the city has eight clinics that provide 24-hour services, three clinics that provide 12-hour services and 19 clinics that render Saturday services.
He highlighted that CoE’s 93 clinics were recently assessed in terms of the national core standards.
“The latest ideal clinic status has 77 of our clinics at platinum status, 14 at gold and two at silver,” said Mbengashe.
Speaking on the importance of partnerships, Campbell said: “There is no limit to how significant our fight can be if the government, the private sector, civil society, labour, academia, the faith-based and traditional communities can share the responsibility of ending inequalities, Aids, TB and Covid-19.”
She highlighted that may be the most important partnership the world has ever needed.
Following the World Aids Day Commemoration event, the CoE will host a series of HIV/Aids awareness campaigns at its clinics.
“Efforts to ramp up vaccinations are also being planned to mitigate the impact of the fourth wave of the pandemic,” said Mbengashe.
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