MEC Manzini lighting a candle to remember HIV/AIDS victims
By Kopano Dibakwane
” We are aware that a majority of our male party don’t go to our facilities for testing but rely on their female counterparts for their status”.
This was the assertion by Mpumalanga MEC for Health, Sasekani Manzini, as the province commemorated World AIDS Day at Matsulu, near Mbombela, on 1 December, under the theme:” Let communities lead”.
Manzini said the province is doing well in administering HIV/AIDS tests and that 390 000 patients have been tested in the second quarter of the current financial year.
” Early diagnosis allows for timely medical intervention, which greatly improves health outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with HIV. An estimated 718 449 people in the province have taken a HIV test and therefore know their status, we are not ignorant of the fact that some are still afraid or ignorant to do HIV testing,” said Manzini.
She mentioned that the aim is to have a health system that raises the life expectancy of South Africans to at least 70 years.
” According to StatsSA 2022 midterm population estimates, South African life expectancy has increased from 55 years in 2001 to 57 years in 2011 and now 65.5 years. We have strengthened our efforts to scale up ART(Anti-retroviral Treatment) services, to date 596 996 people living with HIV are receiving antiretroviral treatment in this province. This figure represents 83% of people who know their status and are getting treatment,” said the MEC.
Another factor raised by Manzini is that circumcision reduces the susceptibility of men to acquire HIV during intercourse by up to 60%, also that 40 000 men in Mpumalanga have undergone circumcision this year. She however cautioned that circumcision should not be viewed as the only preventative measure, as it must be coupled with the practice of safe sex, such as using condoms.
” On this day, let us also recognise the incredible resilience and strength of those living with HIV/AIDS. They are not defined by their infection but by their courage, determination, and unwavering spirit. We must support them in their journey, ensuring that they have access to quality healthcare, social support system and opportunities to strive,” Manzini concluded.
