Amajuba: In its efforts to combat and eliminate the stigma of HIV/AIDS and HIV related illness, the Amajuba District Municipality, under the leadership of Cllr. uMntwana Ndabuko Zulu, today, December 7, 2023, observed the World Aids Day build up event under the theme “Let Communities Lead” at Mndozo clinic in Osizweni.
World AIDS day is a global movement that is commemorated annually on December 1. Citizens around the world are encouraged to unite in remembrance of those who have lost the battle to HIV/ AIDs and HIV related illnesses, further encouraging and educating communities on safer sexual practices that will lead to the decline in HIV/ AIDs statistics.
During his welcome remarks, Ward 7 Councillor Lucky Ndebele applauded the Mndozo clinic staff for their visible efforts to support individuals living positively with HIV/AIDS.
Celiwe Mkhize, one of the founders of the Kwa-Hilda Ongcwele Community Centre located in Madadeni, expressed her gratitude to the Mndozo clinic for their continuous support to Kwa Hilda as a non profit organization that was established in 2002 aimed at providing support to orphans and children living with HIV/ AIDS.
The keynote address was delivered by the Deputy Mayor Cllr. Thembelihle Mthembu, the deputy mayor, used this platform to encouraged the community to know their status by visiting clinics and health care center’s regularly.
“World AIDS Day is important because it serves as a reminder that HIV/AIDS is still a problem and that, in order to uphold and accomplish the nation’s goals and objectives, we must all work together to raise awareness, combat prejudice, and enhance education. Certain HIV patients pass away not because of the HIV pandemic but rather because of the stigma that society has placed on them.
Cllr. Mthembu mentioned that stigma and discrimination “may be as destructive as the illness itself and may result in social exclusion, job and property loss, school expulsion, denial of medical services, lack of care and support, and violence for those affected by them.” alluded Cllr Mthembu.”