High-ranking Government officials joined the Amajuba District Municipality in commemoration of World Aids Day on Sunday (December 1).
In commemoration of the day, KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu, acting Head of Social Development, Sbu Ngubane and Amajuba District Mayor, Dr Musa Ngubane and their respective teams held an HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis awareness campaign in the district.
Under the theme ‘Ending the HIV/Aids Epidemic: Community by Community’, the campaign saw the delegation visit the Newcastle Mall to hand out important reading material and condoms to passers-by, and discuss matter such as sexual abstinence and using protection during intercourse.
Those who are HIV positive were further encouraged to adhere to treatment at all times. A resident, who has been living with the virus for around 20 years, explained what they recently encountered:
“I saw someone once taking their pills with alcohol. Don’t do all these things, then turn around and say ‘these pills don’t work’. I listened to everything I was told. If the doctor says drink your pills at 7am, don’t drink them at 10am.”
MEC Simelane-Zulu urged residents to get tested and know their HIV status, so they could make informed choices.
“The 1st of December is a day where the whole world commemorates World AIDS Day; something that is not only commemorated through out the country, but throughout the world, because it was a decision taken on that level.”
The MEC closed off the campaign by applauding the Amajuba District for the reduction of mother-to-child transmission of HIV:
“We also appreciate the work that has been done by the Government, because in 2008 the transmission of mother-to-child [HIV] was at 20% and by 2010, it was 5%. Currently we have achieved 1%. We think that is a serious achievement for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Communities have also been encouraged to fight against the stigma and show love and support to those living with HIV.
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