Fight against HIV/Aids continues
Ntombifuthi Zondo said she tested positive for the virus in 1998, saying that it took her two years to disclose her status to her loved ones.
To unite in the fight against HIV/Aids, the Gamalakhe Community Health Centre commemorated World Aids Day recently.
The day is observed annually on December 1.
Under the 2024 theme ‘Take the rights path: My health, my right’, the World Health Organisation and its partners called on global leaders and citizens to champion the right to health by addressing the inequalities that hinder progress in ending Aids.
The PRO at the Gamalakhe Community Health Centre, Lifa Radebe, said the day was observed to show support for people living with the virus, to remember those who died, and to unite in the fight against HIV/Aids.
Gamalakhe resident Ntombifuthi Zondo shared her testimony during the commemoration.
She said she tested positive for the virus in 1998, saying that it took her two years to disclose her status to her loved ones.
“Ever since I started taking the treatment, I have never been sick. I have been leading a healthy lifestyle and relying on health education from the clinic. I am now married and have children who are HIV-negative. What helped me was being educated about the virus and how to live with it,” she said.
Meanwhile, Radebe explained that the red ribbon worn on World Aids Day was a symbol of support for those living with the virus and for those who have lost loved ones.
He said everyone should have access to the health services they need, including HIV prevention, treatment and care services.
“Protecting the right to health means ensuring that health care is available to everyone, without any discrimination, regardless of their HIV status, background, gender or where they live. The fight against Aids requires us to prioritise and reach everyone who is living with, at risk for or affected by HIV,” he said.
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