Johannesburg - With the country commemorating World Aids Day on December 1, Deputy President David Mabuza, in his capacity as chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC), will on Thursday address the World Aids Day commemoration event at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, Rocklands, Bloemfontein.
According to the president’s spokesperson, Matshepo Seedat, this year’s national commemoration will take on the theme “Equalise and Integrate to End Aids”.
World Aids Day is observed annually around the world to show solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV and to raise awareness about the pandemic’s current status in order to encourage HIV prevention, treatment and care.
“The national theme of this year’s commemoration is ‘Equalise and Integrate to End Aids’ and is intended on addressing persistent inequalities that hinder progress against the country’s efforts to end Aids as a public health threat. These inequalities include exclusion and inadequate access to health services as a result of poverty and against key and vulnerable populations, including transgender persons and sex workers, among others,” Seedat said.
Seedat said Mabuza will be accompanied by the SANAC Civil Society chairperson Steve Letsike, Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla, Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela and representatives from development partners in the fight against HIV/Aids.
Prior to the official commemoration, the government, in collaboration with civil society and development partners, will participate in the build-up events under the “Policy-in-Action” banner in and around Mangaung.
This year's commemorative event comes just as statistics reveal that this year alone, the estimated number of deaths from Aids in South Africa stands at 85 796, while in the previous year, Aids-related deaths in the country reached nearly 88 000.
“There have been many scientific advances in HIV treatment, and we now have a much better understanding of the virus. More people are receiving antiretroviral treatment, which means HIV infection rates are decreasing,” according to the government’s information page on the observance.
“However, despite these advances, stigma and discrimination still persist for many people living with, or affected by HIV,” the Presidency said.
The Star