There are inequalities and stigmatization still attached to the name: HIV/AIDS and a collaboration of organisations and departments are on their toes trying to make that a thing of the past.
Under the, ‘ Equalize: The inequalities which perpetuate the AIDS pandemic are not inevitable’ theme for this year’s World AIDS Day, King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality partnered with the Department of Health, TB/HIV Care, Social Health and Empowerment Feminist Collective of Transgender Women of Africa, Hospice Association of Transkei, Humana People to People, Aquity Innovations, Songe Social Change and KSD Local AIDS Council made a success of the 2022’s commemoration held at Sangoni Location, Ward 35.
The purpose of this day was to remember how far we have come, mourn the ones we have lost and encourage the ones affected and infected. Organisations took podium turns to inform attendees of the services they render and how this adversity can be overcome, not just physically but mentally as well.
What was more prevalent at the event was the importance of seeking help, and to never default in taking ARVs as that causes more harm. PLHIV Ambassadors spoke openly about their positive statuses and encouraged people that life is waiting for you to live it to the fullest.
Acting Executive Mayor, MMC for Special Programs Unit, Cllr Noluyolo Mayi encouraged the people of KSD to continue taking their pill, be it Prep or ARV because their life depends on it.
About the Clinic issues stated previously in the gathering, she said that people must always remember to register to vote because that has a direct impact on how finances are allocated to wards. If less people register, budget allocation will be for the people who appear on the voter’s roll, whereas there are more who do not appear who will need to benefit from the resources.
It became apparent that the gospel of testing for HIV/AIDS should be preached because it is important to know ones status and to know what to do after you have known. These organisation are there to assist in living a life after a positive HIV test because they believe that each person needs to invest in their own body.