“Let Communities Lead” – World AIDS Day 2023

Article by: Nthabiseng Malatji, Dineo Mokoa & Zubenathi Ngqikiza

Photography by: Tshisikhawe Thangavhuelelo

Design by: Jovan Lutchman

Today, Acting Gauteng Premier, Lebogang Maile led the candle lighting in honor of those who perished through HIV/AIDS, during the World AIDS Day commemoration held in Sedibeng under the theme, “Let Communities Lead’.

According to MEC Maile, “We are gathered here today to show support, amplify awareness and to reflect on the gaps, progress, and success that Government has done in combating the disease. There is still an opportunity to decrease the number of HIV/AIDS infections through the various intervention that have been put in place. World AIDS Day provides an opportunity to further fight against HIV/AIDS. Our Aim as Government is not only to report but recommit ourselves to eradicate the threat of HIV/AIDS. Let us work together to become the generation that has succeeded in eliminating HIV/AIDS.”

As a build up to this important commemoration, the Department of Infrastructure Development’s, Sub-Directorate, Employee Health and Wellness Programme (EHWP) has hosted several Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Tuberculosis (TB) advocacy activities and health screenings.

According to Assistant Director, EHWP, Dineo Mokoa these advocacy health screening activities strive to encourage Team DID to become agents of change in the fight against the spread of HIV and AIDS stigma and to accelerate education on treatment adherence to achieve the Undetectable equals Untransmitable status (U=U). Despite medical advances, the rate of new HIV infections is peaking amongst specific populations including young women aged between the ages of 15-24 and young men aged, 24-35. Stigma and discrimination are also amongst of the persistent challenges that prevents people from seeking support and medical care.” ?

Dineo added that HIV, AIDS and TB co-infections are prevalent, “Every sexually active South African is at risk of contracting HIV, AIDS and TB. We call on all Team DID to recognise that HIV/AIDS and TB are manageable chronic diseases. People can live full and happy lives if prevention and early treatment is sought. We each have a responsibility to show compassion, respect, care, and support to those who are living positively with HIV. We need to show love to ourselves and our sexual partners by remaining faithful and consistently use protection.”

Speaking on the importance of regular health screenings, Admin Clerk, Mashudu Netshikulwe said, “I last went for HIV testing earlier this year because I wanted to know my status. I think it is crucial for everyone to be aware of their status, whether positive or negative, to prevent the transmission and spread of the disease.” Thenjiwe Magongo, Human Resources Practitioner at Tulisa Park Regional Hub said, “I get tested twice annually to know my status. I feel that many people have become complacent and do not prioritise testing as they used to.? Admin Clerk, Penelope Dessels believes that it is important for us all to get tested for HIV”.

Dineo encouraged Team DID, “To take this opportunity to reflect and remind ourselves that HIV, AIDS and TB are still a reality and that it is incumbent upon us all to continue to fight the prejudice, and injustices brought by stigma and discrimination.”