Let’s unite to defeat the scourge of HIV

On December 1, it was the 30th anniversary of World Aids Day and this year’s theme is “Know Your Status”. However, we can’t know our statuses if we don’t do HIV tests. While we commemorate the 30th anniversary of World Aids Day, this virus still remains the biggest threat. Hence, we ought to check our HIV status in order to make informed decisions regarding our lifestyles. Ignoring going for HIV tests is like a reckless driver who disregards road safety rules which protect their own life. However, this virus is manageable; if you discover in time that you are HIV positive and begin taking treatment, you can lead a healthy life.

On World Aids Day, we should personalise the risk of HIV infection. We ought to avoid engaging in unsafe sex, condomise or abstain from sex. If you test positive, you shouldn’t think it is the end of your life. You should rather start taking treatment, eat healthily, stop smoking and drinking alcohol. You can still lead a prolonged productive life and contribute to society. HIV is manageable, however, about half of the people living with the virus in SA are not on treatment.

I urge young people to stop engaging in unprotected sex during the festive season. And for adults, the best is to avoid multiple sexual partners to reduce the risk of HIV infection. We should raise public awareness about Aids and stop stigmatising and discriminating against people living with the virus. Hellen Keller once said: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

Therefore, our little efforts combined can defeat the scourge of HIV.

Amos Tebeila Mohlaletse, Limpopo