PREMIER NDLOVU TO LEAD WORLD AIDS DAY COMMEMORATION AT KWAMHLANGA
28 November 2024
The Mpumalanga Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu will on Sunday lead the Provincial World Aids Day commemoration at KwaMhlanga, in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality. The event is held annually on the 01st of December since 1988 as a reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
Research studies show that the burden of the epidemic is overwhelmingly affecting Africans, due to lack of access to health services previously. They indicate that South Africa accounts for 20 percent of new HIV infections and 20 percent of people living with HIV globally.
Through the annual commemoration, government seeks to raise an awareness about the importance of HIV Anti-Retroviral Treatment services, mobilize and educate communities, and build partnerships with local organizations.
This year’s World AIDS Day will be commemorated under the theme: “Equal Rights, Equal Care”, and demonstrates government’s determination to raise an awareness on the importance of anti-retroviral therapy and the benefits of early linkage to treatment, to save lives.
On Thursday, the Mpumalanga Provincial AIDS Council (MPAC), held a quarterly meeting in the Nkangala District Municipality Chamber to strengthen measures aimed at reducing the number of infections in the province, to promote testing for people to know their HIV status and for those who tested positive, to adhere to the anti-retroviral treatment.
The Premier will lead an entourage of dignitaries, including Members of the Executive, MPAC members, Executive Mayors and Councillors during the commemoration.
Details of the commemoration are as follows:
Date: Sunday, 01 December 2024
Venue: KwaMhlanga Stadium, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality
Time: 09:00
Members of the media are invited.
For confirmation, contact Ms. Phumla Mokoena on 060 998 8781 or Mr. Chris Nobela (Department of Health) on 082 887 9465.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Provincial Government’s Spokesperson: George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za