December 1 marks World Aids Day, and this year the theme is ‘Let communities lead in ending the HIV/Aids infection’.
In line with this theme, the City of Ekurhuleni’s mayoral office urges residents to work in formations to destigmatise access to health tools and encourage those infected to go on 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 Ekurhuleni Mayor Clr Sivuyile Ngodwana.
Ngodwana pointed out that HIV/Aids continues to be a chronic condition which can easily be avoided and even managed without any deaths being recorded.
A recent study done by the SA Human Sciences Research Council revealed that there were around 7.8 million people living with HIV in South Africa in 2022. And that doesn’t include those who are living their lives without knowing their status because of fear of testing.
“The time has come for us as individuals to stop unnecessary infections and deaths by encouraging people to go voluntary tests so that they can know their status and apply the necessary life-prolonging health measures that are freely available in this country,” says Ngodwana.
The city will on World Aids Day host a wellness day featuring a series of health awareness activities focused on mental health, cancer and HIV/Aids at the Boksburg City Stadium.
These wellness activities will include a 5km and 8km walk. CoE employees will be given the opportunity to test for HIV and undergo cancer screening. Mental health assessment questionnaires will be distributed.
The city is reminding the public that its 93 health facilities provide assistance and support for HIV and Aids.
Also Read: Centre lights candles for World Aids Day
