HIV: every citizen has a responsibility

I JOINED South Africans and the rest of the world to commemorate World Aids Day.

Some progress has been made in the fight against HIV and Aids, but there is still much to be done if we are to lay to rest the myths and stop the contradictory messages that have been festering for years due to incompetent political management.

According to the Aids Foundation, South Africa ranks in the top five highest HIV-prevalent countries in the world, with 17.5% of the population estimated to be infected. South Africa has the world’s largest antiretroviral programme, but there is some concern about the sustainability of the government’s programme in the current economic climate.

Non-governmental organisations are under pressure and the government needs to do more to support them. The Treatment Action Campaign, for instance, will suffer with the Global Fund to Fight HIV, TB and Malaria having cancelled its next round of funding.

Combating the spread of HIV and Aids is still the responsibility of the government and each one of us. We should expand on public awareness campaigns, advertising and community meetings on HIV and Aids.

It is also the responsibility of every citizen to be informed and aware about the disease and its implications. Each citizen has a responsibility to know his/her status and protect his or her life and protect those s/he loves.

My friend with HIV is still my friend. Together for CHANGE! THULANI DASA | DA PR councillor Khayelitsha