As the country marks World Aids Day on 1 December, the North West provincial government has urged urgent collective action to protect young girls from HIV infection.
Speaking during the provincial commemoration in Tlhabane near Rustenburg, Premier Lazarus Mokgosi reported a concerning rise in HIV/AIDS cases among girls aged 16 to 25.
Mokgosi attributed the spike to relationships between young girls and older men, who often use money and alcohol to influence them and discourage the use of protection. He strongly condemned the practice, saying it jeopardises the future of young people.
“We must continue to show solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS. 2025 is a critical year, one in which the world expects accelerated progress, bold leadership and investment in the fight against HIV/AIDS including TB,” he said.
The Premier reaffirmed the province’s commitment to the Global Aids Strategy 2021–2026, which calls for reducing health inequality, strengthening community-led responses, protecting human rights and ensuring equitable access to integrated HIV and TB services.
This year’s World Aids Day is commemorated under the theme: “Overcoming disruption, transforming AIDS response.”
In support of enhanced prevention efforts, the new antiretroviral drug Lenacapavir has been approved and added to the Essential Medicines List, a move the National Department of Health described as crucial in closing gaps in current HIV prevention methods.
