“People must be encouraged to test for and know their HIV status as this will save lives,” says Senior Clinical Manager, Dr Phumza Nobatyi.
Dr Nobatyi was speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the World Aids Day commemoration at the Sisa Dukashe stadium in Mdantsane, in the Eastern Cape on Sunday.
She said living with HIV was no longer like in the past when people were dying because there was no treatment available.
Today, patients with HIV are living healthy and normal lives. “It’s not a death sentence, it can be treated,” she said.
Dr Nobatyi is a Senior Clinical Manager at the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Health District overseeing 85 health institutions.
She said it was critical for everyone to know their status.
South Africa is on Sunday joining the global community in anchoring the World Aids Day 2024 commemorations on the protection of everyone’s right to receive universal access to quality health care for all its citizens.
World Aids Day is commemorated annually across the globe in solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV as well as to raise awareness about the status of the epidemic, with a view to encourage HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
The 2024 theme: “Equal Rights, Equal Care” is a call for equal, equitable and dignified access to healthcare for all South Africans regardless of their economic status, gender, race or sexuality.
Community member, Nobantu Ntsaluba, told SAnews that government should do more to encourage people to practice safer sex and to have their status checked.
“It’s better to know your status, than to live not knowing your status. Today, there is help for those living with HIV, there is treatment,” Ntsaluba.
Ntsaluba called on young people to always practice safer sex and stick to one partner.
“People may contract the virus because they have multiple partners or they are not faithful to their partners,” she said.
First observed in 1988, World Aids Day, is marked annually to raise awareness about HIV and Aids while also recognising and honouring the lives lost.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is leading today’s commemoration alongside the SANAC Civil Society Chairperson Solly Nduku, SANAC Private Sector Chairperson Nompumelelo Zikalala, Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, as well as representatives from development partners such as the UN Agencies UNAIDS, UNICEF, WHO, US government agencies the CDC, PEPFAR, USAID, research entities, civil society movements, the private sector and community members.
Community members from various areas in the Eastern Cape are also attending. – SAnews.gov.za
