To commemorate World’s Aids Day, PUSH an NGO from Eldorado Park Ext 7 held a community-based dialogue event on Friday to discuss the rapid raise of HIV infections.
The topic of HIV/AIDS is no longer a taboo conversation that communities avoid to discuss.
Almost everyone, young and old is cognisant of how one can get infected, treated and prevent being infected. However, there is a shooting rise of young people being infected by the virus.
Mpho Nemasanzhe, HIV testing Project Manager at PUSH said, “This year we want to engage with the residents as to why are we still having so much new infections in our community, whereas, we have prevention methods like PREP and PEP to prevent the virus.”
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Two issues were addressed that seem to be contributing to the rise of HIV/AIDS, GBV and substance abuse. According to the discussions all three are intertwined and unless residents begin to stand in unity to create a disorder free community, they will continue losing more young people.
“In our discussions we spoke about the interconnectedness of GBV and substance abuse and their contribution to the rising HIV infections in South Africa. We need to see all three holistically and not just as individuals,” said Social Worker for Eldorado Park and Kliptown, Lihle Qwabe.
This year the WHO came up with the theme of ‘Let communities lead’ to allow communities to be part of the essential prevention and treatment support instead of being on the receiving end.
One of the residents said, “There is a huge link between drug consumption and HIV infections.
“You cannot be high and drunk and remember to take your medication or even be cautious to use protection. Our young people are dying and we need to unite to save them from drugs.”
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Qwabe concluded by explaining other factors that makes individuals and communities to fight a losing battle when it comes to reducing HIV infections, substance abuse and ending GBV.
Ignorance and resisting information prevent communities from winning a fight against these social ills.
“The resistance of community members from receiving information is very high. There is awareness and programmes but residents are not willing to take in the information. So, without their participation these programmes will remain discussions,” she concluded.
