Deputy President Paul Mashatile Urges Unified Action To Fight HIV, AIDS

Deputy President Paul Mashatile mentioned the need for all South Africans to work together in the fight against HIV and AIDS, during the World AIDS Day event at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.

He noted that while great progress has been made in ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, the same cannot be said for getting 95% of those who know their status onto treatment, or for ensuring that 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

"As of June 2024, only 79% of people who knew their status were on treatment, and only 93% of people on treatment were virally suppressed," the Deputy President said, SA News reported.

He added, "As a country, we need to further increase HIV screening, diagnosis, and treatment initiation while maintaining treatment adherence to keep viral suppression rates high. We urge all government departments to incorporate HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis [TB] in their workplace health and wellness programs."

Mashatile called on political parties, trade unions, student organizations and other groups to encourage their members to know their HIV status, urging those who know their status to seek treatment and stay on it.

He said that traditional leaders should use community platforms, like meetings, events, and ceremonies, to encourage people to test for HIV and TB.

Furthermore, the deputy president said that the government would continue to rely on various groups, including religious leaders, to encourage both men and women, especially those who are HIV-positive and have stopped treatment, to return to care.

Mashatile urged everyone to play their part in making the initiative a success, adding that South Africa must focus on community-led efforts to ensure that no one is left behind.

He called on all Premiers to use the Provincial Councils on AIDS to engage local sectors and organizations to help find the 1.1 million people affected. He also asked employers and employment organizations to join the effort, stressing that if South Africa fails to tackle HIV and AIDS, it could lead to serious outcomes.

The deputy president noted that there have been immense advancements in HIV treatment and antiretroviral therapy, allowing people to live longer, healthier lives. He also mentioned that scientists are hopeful about improved treatments and are working on a cure and vaccine.