This year’s World Aids Day is observed under the theme Overcoming disruption, transforming the Aids response. This directly speaks to the massive shift on attention poured on this health condition as experienced some months earlier. We experienced a major financial blow when the United States abruptly halted and ended programs promoting effective response to HIV/Aids due to shutting down funding. It is important to note and acknowledge how our country leaders from national, provincial and municipal level have vigorously rolled up their sleeves upon the withdrawal of big donors which possibly meant a complete collapse of progress made. These government efforts continue strongly towards closing the big gap left by rescinding of funds. There has been more international donors coming through to partner with our programs. This year’s theme also addresses every one of us to never let the social, financial circumstances around us derail our health and any attention it requires to remain in good state.
As we reflect on World Aids Day, we can never forget how far we have come as a country in terms of addressing and massively reducing infection rate. At some point HIV/Aids was a pandemic in South Africa, being among the leading causes of death in our communities. Today many do not even think of it as a killer disease because of the great strides made in the availability and dissemination of world class treatment which is freely available in all public health systems. We must never be complacent when still faced with conditions like HIV/Aids which were once deadly killers in this country. It is critical that we individually know our status, to respond wisely and safely for oneself and those we live with. MESSAGE BY THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR OF EKURHULENI, ALDERMAN NKOSINDIPHILE XHAKAZA
As we reflect on World Aids Day, we can never forget how far we have come as a country in terms of addressing and massively reducing infection rate. At some point HIV/Aids was a pandemic in South Africa, being among the leading causes of death in our communities. Today many do not even think of it as a killer disease because of the great strides made in the availability and dissemination of world class treatment which is freely available in all public health systems. We must never be complacent when still faced with conditions like HIV/Aids which were once deadly killers in this country. It is critical that we individually know our status, to respond wisely and safely for oneself and those we live with. MESSAGE BY THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR OF EKURHULENI, ALDERMAN NKOSINDIPHILE XHAKAZA