Tshwane metro commemorates World Aids Day in Mamelodi

Tshwane metro commemorated World Aids Day with a multi-stakeholder event at Stanza Bopape sports centre in Mamelodi on December 1.

Tshwane mayor Randall Williams commemorated the day by remembering the lives lost to HIV/Aids with members of the LGBTQI+ community.

This year the theme was “Global solidarity and shared responsibility” which is indeed more relevant now than ever.

“A continued global response to HIV/Aids will ensure that we mitigate the risks that they pose to our society.

The LGBTQI+ community has always been a crucial driver in leading the charge towards ensuring that the scourge of HIV/Aids is addressed and those affected by these diseases receive the necessary support they need,” said Williams.

He said it is our job as a united society to continuously fight against the stigma that those who suffer with HIV/Aids must face, ensure that we protect the most vulnerable and safeguard their human rights.

“We must at all levels reject attempts to discriminate against this community and condemn any violence that is directed towards them. In all that we do, we should strive to create a society where people can live as they want, in freedom… free from stigma.

World Aids Day continues to remain as relevant today as it has always been.

It serves as a reminder to governments across the world to continuously do more to fight this pandemic.”

MMC for health Rina Marx said: “This day remains an important date in our HIV response calendar, and it serves as an opportunity to unite and fight against HIV/Aids stigma, which is still a challenge.”

She said as part of the build-up to the day, they held several activities which included ward-based outreach teams and community development workers conducting door-to-door education on HIV, tuberculosis (TB), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other health challenges.

“The teams reached a total of 3 549 people with education, awareness, health screening and testing services.

We plan to continue beyond World Aids Day with education and awareness programmes, as well as providing comprehensive healthcare,” said Marx.

“Our aim is to improve access to services, including health screenings, examinations and provision of treatment where needed.”

During the event, a moment of silence was observed to remember those who lost their lives to the disease.

“We must never forget where we come from with this disease and the progress we have made to save the lives of millions of our people.”

She said the Tshwane metro is committed to continuing efforts to ensure that the Tshwane metro Aids council serves as an effective vehicle for a comprehensive response to HIV, TB and STIs.

The event was attended by Gauteng premier and chairperson of the Gauteng AIDS council (GAC), Panyaza Lesufi and other government departments and local non-profit organisations.

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