SANAC chairperson, David Mabuza speaks on high HIV/AIDS figures

SECUNDA – Mpumalanga is sitting with 76 007 new HIV-positive cases, revealed a Department of Health report earlier this year, whereas a national figure of 838 000 was recorded in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape between January and December 2018.

This was revealed by the deputy president, David Mabuza, in his capacity as chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC) recently during a SANAC plenary session in Secunda in preparation for World Aids Day 2019. They tackled, among others issues, progress updates on the country’s response to HIV/ AIDS, TB, STIs, the roll-out of the Checka Impilo National Wellness Campaign, SANAC’s Sex Worker Plan and Human Rights Plan.

He was accompanied by the chairperson of SANAC, Civil Society Forum, Steve Letsike, minister of health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, and Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane. Mabuza said, “Drawing from the last meeting in Limpopo in June last year, reports detailed the impact of our work and targeted actions. The reports indicated that we need to move the response into a higher and more focused gear. As we have said before, one HIV infection is one too many. Working with our partners in civil society and in the business community, it is possible to reverse the HIV pandemic that has affected approximately 7,4-million people who are HIV positive.”

Let me take this opportunity to welcome members & reps of the Extended #SANACPlenary to the first meeting of the year since our last meeting in June 2018 in Limpopo. pic.twitter.com/uCrt3HpbPt

— David D Mabuza (@DDMabuza) November 23, 2019

The reports of the last Extended #SANACPlenary indicated that we need to move the response into a higher and more focused gear.

— David D Mabuza (@DDMabuza) November 23, 2019

Working together with our partners in civil society & in business, it's possible to reverse the #HIV pandemic that has affected approximately 7.4-million people who are HIV-positive. #KnowYourStatus #SANACPlenary pic.twitter.com/pNwDMKNa5S

— David D Mabuza (@DDMabuza) November 23, 2019

It's our responsibility to ensure that women and girl-children are empowered with relevant information that can save their lives. #GetTested #SANACPlenary #knowyourstatus

— David D Mabuza (@DDMabuza) November 23, 2019

There is a close relationship between the development of society & the empowerment of women & girl-children. The reverse is also true that, women disempowerment in any form or manner, like gender-based violence, disadvantages societal development. #SANACPlenary

— David D Mabuza (@DDMabuza) November 23, 2019

I support strongly the work of the Takuwani Riime movement. I urge you to also work with this movement and endorse their campaign to protect the human rights of women, children and the LGBQT+ community.

— David D Mabuza (@DDMabuza) November 23, 2019

It is within our grasp to reverse the HIV pandemic and conquer gender-based violence. We can, and we will, win the battle by working together with all stakeholders in our schools, in our homes, at boardrooms and in workplaces. #SANACPlenary

— David D Mabuza (@DDMabuza) November 23, 2019

Women are tired! I'm happy that you have taken it upon yourself to stand up and be counted to be part of the change to. #TakuwaniRiime #MensParliament pic.twitter.com/VvYpgTbgt9

— David D Mabuza (@DDMabuza) November 23, 2019

I challenge you to take time and read our country's Constitution. It guarantees our freedom and human rights. Your freedom is as good and important as that of the next freedom. #TakuwaniRiime #MensParliament pic.twitter.com/buBW6FE2iv

— David D Mabuza (@DDMabuza) November 23, 2019