Durban — The eThekwini Municipality is hard at work to curb the spread of HIV and Aids.
This is according to the municipality who said it has intensified its programmes to work with structures to curb the spread of HIV, Aids and other related diseases. The eThekwini area is reported to have the highest rate of HIV and Aids as well as TB.
This was revealed on Wednesday at a mayoral engagement held at the Garden Court, Marine Parade, with people living openly with HIV and Aids.
The engagement by eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda aimed to discuss the impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on HIV/Aids and the subsequent setback in treatment management. It also highlighted the challenges faced by people living with the virus and their successes ahead of World Aids Day on December 1.
Discussions highlighted the need to revive ward and zonal Aids councils and political oversight to address HIV and Aids-related matters at a ward level.
Kaunda said hosting the session with people living with HIV and Aids was important to collectively turn the tide against the spread of the virus.
He said the Covid-19 pandemic had derailed HIV and TB treatment management.
“This important engagement was needed to identify strategies to re-energise communities and encourage them to regain control and get back on track with their medication,” Kaunda said.
Kaunda expressed concern that the rate of new HIV infections was high among girls and young women between 13 and 19.
Nokulunga Hlengwa, 22, born HIV positive and is living openly with the virus, was grateful for the mayoral engagement.
“The mayor was here to listen to challenges faced by people living with HIV and Aids. The journey has not been easy as I was born with the disease, I faced discrimination and rejection, but through it all, I survived,” Hlengwa said.
“Living with HIV is not a death sentence. You can lead a healthy and happy life. I finished school and am an ambassador educating children and the youth about HIV and positive living,” added Hlengwa.
The municipality indicated that it has programmes and services in place to ensure a co-ordinated response to HIV and Aids, and management of the disease. The city works closely with community structures to ensure residents have access to information and treatment and are well informed on health-related matters.
Daily News