Equal rights for healthcare highlighted on World Aids Day
Durban — Calls for dignified and equal access to healthcare for all South Africans, transcending barriers of economic status, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
In an address during the official commemoration of World Aids Day held in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who is also Chairperson of the South African National Aids Council, underscored the theme for this year’s event: “Equal Rights, Equal Care.”
Leading the World AIDS Day KwaZulu-Natal commemoration on Sunday in the King Cetshwayo District, KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli urged the community to ostracise “blessers”, “sugar daddies” and “sugar mamas”, as they were a stumbling block to the government’s efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
“As the provincial government, we are dismayed by the increase in the number of women and girls between the ages of 15 and 24 who are infected by HIV. The spike in these infections is caused by old men who use their money to lure impoverished women and girls to have unprotected sexual intercourse with them.
“We condemn these old men known as blessers and sugar daddies because they are a stumbling block to the government’s efforts to curb the spread of HIV in the province and countrywide. There are also women, known as sugar mamas. They too lure young boys with extravagant lifestyles and infect them with HIV,“ Ntuli said.
Ntuli said these old men and women must be ashamed of themselves because of their “disgraceful” actions.
Speaking on the latest episode of KZN Health Chat Dot hosted by Ntokozo Maphisa, published by the department recently, KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane reminded the public that while HIV/Aids remains a deadly disease, it is crucial to leverage the wealth of resources and information available to combat its spread.
She further highlighted the critical need for concerted efforts, increased awareness, and an unwavering commitment towards an HIV-free future for all South Africans.
Mashatile’s speech illuminated the remarkable scientific advancements in treatment and antiretroviral therapy, which have enabled individuals living with HIV to lead long and productive lives.
Mashatile’s message was clear: while scientists are shifting their efforts towards improving treatment options and working diligently on potential cures and vaccines, South Africa remains the epicentre of the HIV epidemic, with around 8 million people affected. He also highlighted the grave impact of tuberculosis (TB) as a leading cause of death, claiming approximately 56 000 lives annually.
“We must always acknowledge that HIV is not only a public health crisis but also a developmental challenge and a human rights matter,” Mashatile asserted.
His call for a comprehensive, targeted, inclusive, and geo-specific approach to the epidemic comes at a time when urgent action is needed. He referenced the National Strategic Plan, which promotes a whole-of-society approach and recommends the introduction of new injectable treatments for HIV prevention and treatment within the country’s health programme.
Echoing the sentiments of global leaders in the fight against HIV, International AIDS Society (IAS) President and AIDS 2024 International Co-Chair, Sharon Lewin, emphasised the necessity of a people-first approach to HIV responses.
“Putting people first across all aspects of the HIV response is a moral imperative and the only viable route to progress,” Lewin stated.
As part of ongoing initiatives to commemorate World Aids Day, the Educate Empower Elevate Foundation, in partnership with UNISA, is set to host a candlelight event titled “Shine Your Light on Hope” on December 6, at the UNISA Durban Campus. This event aims to honour individuals lost to HIV/AIDS, show solidarity with those living with HIV, and reignite awareness campaigns, especially among the youth.
Chairperson of the Educate Empower Elevate Foundation, Sinethemba Maphumulo, expressed the aim to shine a light on hope for an AIDS-free generation.
“Health and wellness remain our priority as we reaffirm our commitment to combating HIV/AIDS. We stand in solidarity with those affected and pledge to continue educating and empowering our youth and communities,” Maphumulo stated.
Despite the medical advancements, she reiterated the importance of prevention over treatment.
According to Statistics South Africa, around 8 million South Africans are living with HIV, underscoring the nation’s alarming prevalence rates. There remains significant work to meet the 95-95-95 targets aimed at eradicating HIV by 2030. Addressing the gaps in the HIV response, particularly for vulnerable groups such as adolescents and teenage mothers, became a pivotal focus of this year’s discussions.
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