uThukela commemorates World Aids Day
The mayor reminded the audience of the devastating effect Aids has had on society, and encouraged people to get tested so as to know their status
Every year on December 1, uThukela commemorates World Aids Day (WAD) in remembrance of those who have died and those who are living with the disease.
This year, the event was held in Kleinfontein under the theme ‘It’s in our hands to end HIV and TB’.
The Office of the Premier, uThukela District Municipality, the Department of Health, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and various non-governmental organisations were among the stakeholders.
Hundreds of community members gathered under the marquee and a variety of sectors engaged on important health issues affecting society today.
In appreciation of the fact that the event was held in his ward, Councillor S Sokhela welcomed everyone present and said he hoped the community would learn more about the HIV epidemic.
Dr Thandeka Zulu from the uThukela District Department of Health shared a few words with the audience and emphasised the importance of healthy living. She pleaded with those who are sexually active to always use condoms and for males to get circumcised, as this will help to prevent the spread of HIV.
Dr Zulu further talked about HVNTN 702, which is the new vaccine that is being introduced and is aimed at preventing HIV infection.
The keynote address was given by uThukela District Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko. The mayor reminded the audience of the devastating effect that Aids has had on communities and societies, and encouraged people to get tested so as to know their status. He said he was also concerned about the stigma attached to HIV.
“We need to break the stigma surrounding HIV and Aids. We need a change in the mind-set of our communities who live with the disease all around us and often within our own families,” said the mayor. He added that discriminating against those infected makes it even more difficult for them to accept their situation because they feel neglected and unwanted.
Mayor Mazibuko then urged those who are sexually active to protect themselves and their sexual partners by always using a condom.
The event started with the lighting of a red candle as a symbol of respect and remembrance of those who have lost their lives to the virus, as well as people living with the disease.
Deputy Mayor Thuli Hadebe gave a vote of thanks and supported the mayor on a stand against the HIV stigma. She also thanked the Department of Health for renewing people’s hope with the new HIV vaccine.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.If you are reading this on your cellphone and there are telephone numbers provided in the text, you can call these simply by clicking on them.To receive news links via WhatsApp.
For the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!
