By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
The second sitting of Mpumalanga Provincial AIDS Council(MPAC) was held on Thursday 27 March 2025 in Ermelo(Gert Sibande District Municipality), led by the Premier of the Province, Mandla Ndlovu.
The sitting was presided over by the Premier, who also serves as MPAC Chairperson, in partnership with the Co-Chairperson, Sonto Nkosi.
According to Mpumalanga Provincial Government spokesperson, George Mthethwa, MPAC was established in line with the National Strategic Plan(NSP) to serve as a coordinating structure in the province for multi-sector response for diseases such as HIV, TB and STIs(Sexually Transmitted Infections).
“ Amongst other issues discussed during the sitting, was a break down of barriers geared towards the achievement of HIV, TB and STIs solutions in all three districts in the province,” said Mthethwa.
In addition, Mthethwa said a presentation by the MEC for Health in Mpumalanga, Sasekani Manzini, highlighted the importance of adhering to a campaign called “Close the Gap” which was launched by Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, aimed at tracing a million people living with HIV, for them to be included in the treatment programme across South Africa.
“ This forms part of the plan to significantly reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS by 2030. In Mpumalanga, the number of people to be traced is 134 000 for treatment, while 9 380 have to be put on TB treatment,” said Mthethwa.
