The Sizanempilo Clinic in the Heidelberg Hospital marked its World Aids Day commemoration on December 10.

The event united staff for a programme centred on education, reflection and a renewed commitment to fight HIV/ Aids.

The platform strengthened awareness among healthcare workers and reinforced their role in supporting communities across the Lesedi sub-district.

Operational HIV, Aids, STI, and TB (HAST) manager. Busisiwe Xaba spoke about healthcare professionals’ roles in providing patient care.

“As healthcare workers, we carry the responsibility of providing treatment and the duty to educate, embrace and uplift our communities.

“World Aids Day reminds us that every patient deserves dignity, compassion, and support. Our work does not end at the clinic door. It continues in our homes, our conversations, and in how we challenge stigma every day.

“Together, we can strengthen prevention, encourage early testing, support treatment adherence and ensure no one walks their HIV journey alone,” she said.

Xaba highlighted the importance of standing in solidarity with individuals living with HIV and stressed the need for health facilities to remain spaces for dignity, support, and confidentiality.

A candlelight ceremony saw staff gather to remember those who had died from Aids-related illnesses, honouring those affected by the epidemic and reminding all of the ongoing responsibility to advocate for hope, compassion and community resilience.