BURGERSFORT – Home-based care givers, officials from the department of health, Greater Tubatse Municipality, Aurum health institute and HIV/Aids ambassadors commemorated the World’s Aids Day on December 2 at the local clinic.
The clinic hosted an HIV/Aids awareness campaign aimed at combating the pandemic. The attendees, who donned red and white outfits and red ribbons, were taught on the importance of knowing their HIV/Aids status as well as signs and symptoms of tuberculosis.
They also rallied around the town distributing condoms to the public.
Ms Helen Moshwana, an HIV/Aids ambassador, who had been living with the virus for the past 13 years, taught the attendees on how to positively live with the virus.
She encouraged members of the public to be tested, take their medication properly and protect themselves each time they engage in sexual activities. She also advised them to exercise and eat a balanced diet.
“It starts with one knowing his or her own status before planning for a pregnancy, and we still encourage the youth to abstain from sex,” she said.
Another ambassador, Sizi Mnisi, shared Moshwana sentiments and urged couples to use condoms at all times to prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI).
“When I found out I was infected seven years ago, my CD4 count was 500 but now is 1 122 – it shows people can effectively live with the virus.”
Candles were also lit in memory of those who had passed away and those who were struggling with the disease.
