Taking hands to tackle Aids
Speaking on behalf of people living with HIV/Aids, Sipho Nkosi from the Charlestown LAC pronounced there was nothing to prevent an HIV positive person from leading a normal life.
On September 15, Newcastle Municipality’s Special Programmes Unit met with various stakeholders of the Local Aids Council (LAC) to discuss issues pertaining to HIV and Aids.
Meeting at the Council Chambers,Samke Dube, manager for Special Programmes, said the municipality would not be able to reach a level of no infection without working alongside strategic stakeholders, but the municipality would provide leadership and coordination.
In pursuit of an Aids free generation by 2030, the Department of Health has implemented educational, support and treatment programmes.
Fear of stigmatisation was identified as a reason people were reluctant to be tested for the disease or openly take antiretroviral medication (ARVs)
Speaking on behalf of people living with HIV/Aids, Sipho Nkosi from the Charlestown LAC pronounced there was nothing to prevent an HIV positive person from leading a normal life.
People who refuse to understand the importance of using condoms were also problematic.
“This is still a challenge we are facing in the community, more especially with married people”, said Cllr Lindiwe Thwala.
In celebration of Albinism Month, a prayer was said in memory of Thandazile Mpunza who was killed in Manguza last month allegedly for witchcraft purposes.
Smanga Kunene from the Albinism Society of South Africa said killings of this nature were typical of stereotypes people still believed in. “It is still believed by
many that your muthi will be much stronger if it includes blood of a person living with albinism. Some want to prove the myth that we don’t die and some believe if you sleep with a person who is living with albinism you can cure HIV/ Aids”, he said.
