HIV still a huge issue for KZN – says Health MEC

It is estimated that over 2 million people are living with HIV in KwaZulu-Natal and the virus continues to torment the province.

Sinegugu Simelane-Zulu, MEC for Health, quoted this figure from the Thembisa model, the country’s leading modeling system for tracking HIV prevalence.

“Let us not fool ourselves: HIV/AIDS is still raging, and remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in our midst,” said Simelane-Zulu at the Commemoration of World Aids Day.

The MEC said the occasion was moment to salute all scientists who have made many strides in limiting the danger of HIV/Aids.

This includes lowering the mother-to-child prevention rate to 0.81 per cent from when 2 out of 10 children born to HIV positive mothers were infected in 2008.

“Thanks to the provision of access to free Anti-Retroviral Treatment, and the training of staff, the life expectancy of our fellow compatriots has increased considerably, and they are able to live long and heathy lives – and thrive, in spite of living with HIV,” she said.

Simelane-Zulu warned that the province is still lagging behind some of its targets aimed at curbing HIV/AIDS like male medical circumcision.

“The province had a target to circumcise 50 840 males this year but were only able to complete 8070 procedures thanks largely in part to the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Medical male circumcision has been scientifically proven to reduce the spread of HIV by 60 per cent.

One of the biggest social problems with HIV/AIDS, the MEC said, is the stigma attached to it.

“Many people still find themselves being judged and ostracised for being living with HIV – despite the fact that it has become a manageable disease,” she said.

“We need to change that. People who are living with chronic illnesses need our love and support.”