The City of Tshwane's MMC for Health Tshegofatso Mashabela has highlighted the need to destigmatise HIV, TB, and STIs, including the importance of community engagement in healthcare ahead of World AIDS Day.
She was speaking at a ceremony in Bronkhorstspruit, where she noted that stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to effective prevention and treatment.
She talked about the need for equitable access to anti-retroviral therapy (ART), which has transformed HIV from a fatal disease to a manageable condition.
Mashabela urged individuals living with HIV to know their status, receive timely treatment, and stay on treatment to achieve lifelong viral suppression.
According to her, community engagement is central to the City's HIV, TB, and STI strategy.
She said the City connects individuals to essential treatment and support through outreach, education, and partnerships with local organisations.
Mashabela celebrated the dedication of community leaders, activists, and volunteers who tirelessly support those affected by HIV.
The City, she said, is committed to addressing healthcare access disparities, particularly in rural informal settlements and marginalised areas.
“Strengthening infrastructure in these areas is crucial to achieve equal healthcare opportunities. As we commemorate World AIDS Day, we reflect on past achievements and acknowledge future challenges. The fight against HIV,TB and STI requires ongoing investment, innovation, adaptability and strategic partnership,” she said.
She said education is a powerful tool in prevention efforts, and comprehensive sexuality education must be accessible, especially to youth in and outside school.
Sustainable funding, she said, is vital for healthcare systems to meet residents' needs.
“International cooperation is essential; the epidemic knows no borders, nor should our efforts to combat it by 2030. As we look to the future, we remain committed to ending the HIV,TB and STI epidemic. With determination, collaboration and a steadfast dedication to equality and justice, we can make significant strides towards ensuring a healthy life for all,” she said.
She said City's commitment to the 2024 World AIDS Day theme, “Equal Rights, Equal Care aligns with the global mission to protect everyone's health and rights.
“It is imperative that we, as leaders, prioritise health in our political agendas, invest in healthcare infrastructure. Skill set, adequate human capital and develop inclusive policies. We urge policymakers to protect the vulnerable and key population by ensuring that no one is left behind in achieving healthcare equity, ” Mashabela said.
Pretoria News