The week has been frantic for government officials who went out in full force driving ANTI-GBV messages and promoting healthy lifestyle as part of a response to an increase in incidents of women and child abuse as well as in response to the high prevalane of HIV/AIDS among the youth.
The Bojanala Platinum District Municipality also took part in the commemoration of World AIDS Day at Sefikile hall near Moruleng in the North West on Friday.
People came in numbers to the event where they were also assisted in applying for smart cards, passports and even testing for HIV and AIDS.
The Executive mayor of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality Matlakala Nondzaba, cautioned people living with HIV not to default on their medication and to augment their healthy lifestyle by planting vegetables in the yard in order to eat healthy meals.
“HIV and AIDS does not kill a person but what kills them is fear and stress. Being positive is not the end of the world and those who live with the disease should lead a positive life, because when one has stress it affects one’s immune system and thinking ability, “ said Nondzaba.
Nondzaba urged those living with HIV to avoid stressful situations which she said may make them particularly vulnerable to the virus. “They should start by accepting their situation and talk to someone close to them so they can get support, ” he said
Initially the government struggled to get people tested for HIV and to take treatment if infected but through education programmes and awareness, attitudes have changed and many residents believe that Antiretrovirals (ARV) have changed the quality of their lives for the better..
Queen Tau from Sefikile said she has learned a lot from the event and encouraged those living with HIV to take their medication as prescribed. She has also urged families to support their loved ones and stop stigmatizing them.
Matsheko Moilwe criticised traditional healers who claim to cure HIV to stop.”As a traditional healer myself, I would like to urge my fellow healers to stop telling people that they can heal them with traditional medicine.
“The only medicine for HIV are ARVs, people should go to their respective clinics and get proper help. They should not listen to chance takers, said Moilwe.
South Africa is among countries with the highest rate of HIV infections and has one of the largest state driven ARV treatment rollout programs.
According to the World Health Organisation, (WHO), while more than 28 million people are on life-saving antiretroviral therapy in the World, new infections and deaths are not decreasing fast enough; and severe inequalities and inequities prevent people from getting the care they need.
WHO Director General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said nearly 6 million people who are living with HIV aren’t receiving treatment and a further 4 million people have contracted HIV, but haven’t been diagnosed, with nearly 1/2 of the children who need treatment can’t access.
