Premier Mathabatha to address World AIDS Day Commemoration – Mankweng
The Premier of Limpopo, Mr Chupu Stanley Mathabatha and the MEC for Health Dr Phophi Ramathuba invite members of the media to join them in the commemoration of World AIDS Day on the 1st December 2018.
This year [2018] marks the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day commemorations which take place annually on 1 December. The 2018 theme is “Cheka Impilo” which translate to “Know your status”. Significant progress has been made in the AIDS response since 1988, and today three in four people living with HIV in South Africa, know their status. But we still have miles to go, as the latest UNAIDS report shows, its challenging reaching people living with HIV who do not know their status and ensuring that they are linked to quality care and prevention services after they have been identified.
HIV testing and counselling is essential for expanding treatment and ensuring that all people living with HIV are healthy and productive. It is also crucial to achieve the 90% target and empower people to make choices about HIV prevention so they can protect themselves and their loved ones.
However, many barriers to HIV testing remain stigma and discrimination which still deter people from taking an HIV test. As we commemorate the World Aids Day, Government calls on men to also do the same and be tested in order to protect their loved ones. Access to confidential HIV testing is still an issue of concern. Many people still only get tested after becoming ill and symptomatic. Knowing your status has benefit because you will have to life a healthy life style and take treatment as required.
The following activities will unfold as part of the World Aids Day:-
- 5 KM Fun Walk
Date: 1st December 2018
Time: 08h00
From Mankweng Unit C Sport Ground and back
- World Aids Day Commemoration
Date: 1st December 2018
Time: 10h00 am
Venue: Mankweng Unit C Sport Ground,
Polokwane Municipality
Enquiries:
Kenny Mathivha
082 450 1331
