South Africa joined the international community in celebrating World AIDS Day.
On this day, people around the world come together to show support for people living with AIDS and to remember those who have died from AIDS.
The slogan “Equalize” is a call to action.
It is a prompt for all people to work on the proven practical actions needed to end inequality and help end AIDS.
UNAIDS data on the global response to HIV show that over the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, progress in the fight against the HIV pandemic has slowed, resources have been reduced, and millions of lives are at risk as a result.
The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) says inequality has contributed to the spread of HIV in the country.
Deputy President David Mabuza as SANAC chairman is expected to address the national commemoration at the Dr Petrus Malemela Stadium in Bloemfontein in the Free State.
SANAC Executive Manager Dr Nkhensani Nkwashu says: “These inequalities come in many forms. This is in terms of our different socio-economic status and also has a big impact when you link it back to GBV. So what we are saying is that we need more involvement from all of us on the ground to deal with this inequality, which also applies to service delivery. Especially if you look at the youth, most of them don’t have access to markets where they can find work.”
The video below reports that inequality is holding back the AIDS pandemic:
