Provincial government to commemorate World AIDS Day in Sedibeng

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The Gauteng provincial government together with AIDS Council will join the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day at Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex in Sebokeng on Friday.

Gauteng provincial government to commemorate World AIDS Day in Sedibeng — World AIDS day is commemorated annually on December 1.

This annual event serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.

The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988, providing a platform to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and honor the lives affected by the epidemic. This year marks the 35th commemoration of this important day.

This year’s commemoration is held under the theme “Let communities lead”, which recognises the invaluable contributions of communities in leading the response to HIV.

Among those expected to attend includes Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi, Civil society chairperson Oupa Shumeni, Health and Wellness MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and the Sedibeng district mayor, Lerato Maloka.

Sedibeng, join Premier Panyaza @Lesufi and MEC for Health and Wellness, @NkomoNomantu on Friday, 01 December 2023 as the @GautengProvince commemorates World Aids Day #WorldAIDSDay2023 #LetCommunitiesLead pic.twitter.com/LV7mHMxI7O
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) November 30, 2023

Communities living with, and affected by, HIV, networks of people from key populations and youth leaders have been, and continue to be, essential for progress in the HIV response.

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They provide essential prevention, testing and treatment support services, build trust, generate innovative solutions, promote health, monitor the implementation of policies and programmes, and hold providers accountable.

Motalatale Modiba, Gauteng health head of communication said communities living with and affected by HIV continue to be essential for progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

LISTEN: Gauteng health head of communication Motalatale Modiba on World AIDS day.

“The Gauteng AIDS Council will outline its plans to achieve the 95/95/95 targets which seeks to ensure that ninety five percent of the people living with HIV know their status, ninety five percent of the people who are aware that they are living with HIV being on antiretroviral treatment and ninety five percent of people who are on treatment being virally suppressed,” he added.