eThekwini Municipality hard at work to curb spread of HIV/Aids

THE eThekwini Municipality has intensified its programmes to work with structures to curb the spread of HIV/Aids and other related diseases. The eThekwini area is reported to have the highest rate of HIV/Aids and TB. This was revealed on November 23 at a mayoral engagement held with people living openly with HIV and Aids.

The engagement was held at the Garden Court, Marine Parade in Durban Central.

The engagement by eThekwini mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda aimed to discuss the impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on HIV/Aids and the subsequent setback in treatment management. It also highlighted the challenges faced by people living with the virus and their successes ahead of the World Aids Day commemoration on December 1.

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Discussions highlighted the need to revive ward and zonal Aids councils and political oversight to address HIV and Aids-related matters at a ward level.

Mayor Kaunda said hosting the session with people living with HIV and Aids was important to collectively turn the tide against the spread of the virus.

Kaunda said the Covid-19 pandemic derailed HIV and TB treatment management. “This important engagement was needed to identify strategies to re-energise communities and encourage them to regain control and get back on track with their medication,” he said.

Mayor Kaunda expressed concern that the rate of new HIV infections was prevalent among adolescent girls and young women between 13 and 19.

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The municipality has programmes and services in place to ensure a coordinated response to HIV/Aids and the management of the disease.

The City works closely with community structures to ensure residents have access to information and treatment and are well-informed on health-related matters.

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