Despite challenges presented by COVID-19, South Africa has made progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This is according to Deputy President David Mabuza.

He was speaking at the World AIDS Day commemoration event in Xikundu village outside Malamulele in Limpopo.

About 3.6 million people have died from HIV-related illnesses in South Africa since 1995. The country boasts the biggest Aids programme in the world.

The fight against HIV and Aids has been daunting. Deputy President Mabuza says the advent of COVID-19 has made the fight even harder.

“Despite the COVID-19 challenges, we remain committed to getting our country back on track according to the UN goal of eradicating Aids by 2030,” says Mabuza.

SA has made progress in the fight against HIV and Aids:

 

A person living with HIV/AIDS, Nkhensani Mabasa has urged men to vaccinate for COVID-19.

Mabasa says some men don’t test for HIV/AIDS. “You don’t go for testing, you rely on your spouse’s results which is wrong. It’s your status go and take your medication. Lastly, there is COVID-19 – this is not a joke. This issue of saying I can’t go, it has to come to an end today and now.”

Labour organisations have called on government to introduce more effective HIV programmes at workplaces.

COSATU president Zingiswa Losi says government is compromising HIV/AIDS programmes in favour of COVID-19.

Mabuza has also urged South Africans to vaccinate as the country faces the fourth wave of COVID-19.

South Africa joins other countries in observing the commemorations: