Alfred Duma Local Municipality Mayor Vincent Madlala has issued a call to all citizens to unite in fighting the stigma of HIV and Aids.
The mayor says he is pleading and reaching out to all spheres of government, communities and stakeholders in this regard. Mayor Madlala recently lit a red candle with Mr M Sarjoo from the Aids Action Group based in Ladysmith.
The Aids Action Group – through referrals from hospitals, clinics and schools – works through counselling and providing support to those living with and affected by HIV and Aids.
The significance of the candle is remembering those who have lost their lives as a result of this disease.
The municipality says that every sexually active person is at risk of contracting HIV, adding that all citizens are called upon to recognise that HIV and Aids are chronic diseases and that people living with the virus can lead full and happy lives.
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The municipality is pleading with communities to work together in fighting the spread of HIV and Aids, with the message: Working together, we can do more. “Everyone has a responsibility to treat those who are infected / affected by HIV and Aids with compassion, love and care.”
World Aids Day is commemorated each year on December 1 and is an opportunity for every community to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have died.
This year’s theme was ‘Communities Make The Difference’.
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