Witkoppen Clinic brought together health partners, community members, and local leaders on December 1 to commemorate World AIDS Day, using the moment to honour lives lost to HIV, celebrate those who have bravely disclosed their status, and renew its call to end the epidemic.

The clinic also used the event to address gender-based violence, highlighting how both issues require collective action, support, and awareness.

Read more: Witkoppen Clinic urges the community to know there HIV/AIDS status for World AIDS Day

Elaine Ngwenya of Witkoppen Clinic said the day was both a remembrance and a recommitment to progress. “Today is not only to remember those we have lost and those who have bravely shared their status, but also to reaffirm our commitment to ending the epidemic and standing united against gender-based violence,” she said.

“This year’s theme, Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response, reminds us that progress is possible when we work together with healthcare providers, communities, and partners toward a shared vision of health and dignity for all.”

Ngwenya thanked the clinic’s wide network of partners and donors for making the programme possible. This included the Department of Health, Universal Care, GEMS, St Michael’s Church, Ward 94 councillor David Foley, and his ward committee health portfolio member Prof Joji Mercier, and FirstRand, among others.

Dr Odwa Mazwai, managing director of Universal Care, described World AIDS Day as a cornerstone of South Africa’s health calendar.

“Given that we carry the world’s burden of HIV and AIDS, this is one of the most important days in South Africa’s healthcare calendar,” Mazwai said.

Also read: World Aids Day observed at Witkoppen Clinic

“For the greater northern Gauteng area, the Witkoppen Clinic is absolutely fantastic at making sure people test, treat, stay on treatment, and the support they give is phenomenal.”

Mazwai also spoke openly about stigma, saying it remains one of the biggest barriers. “There is still stigma around HIV. One of the things we need to do is continue to talk about it openly and de-stigmatise, because those conversations happen one person at a time,” he said.

He encouraged families to support loved ones who test positive. “It’s a disease like any other, treatable, manageable. It doesn’t change who a person is. All you can do is support, support, support, and make sure they adhere to treatment,” he said.

Ward 94 councillor David Foley also addressed attendees, urging residents to be proactive about their health.

“It starts with knowing your status,” Foley said. “Testing gives you power, power to take control of your health, power to get treatment early, and power to protect your loved ones. There is no shame in testing. The only danger is not knowing.”

Foley added that initiatives like those led by Witkoppen Clinic play a crucial role in building healthier, more informed communities.

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