Admin
30 Nov, 2018
Aids Day 2018: a message to South Africans
As South Africa and the world mark another Aids Day tomorrow, it is comforting to know that many lives have been saved through access to antiretroviral treatment. It is however heart-wrenching that the number of people infected has escalated from 4,25 million in 2002 to 7,52 million in 2018. In as much as we have seen the decline in AIDS-related deaths between 2007 and 2018 of more than 160 000, the number of infected individuals is extremely worrisome. It is clear that there is still a long way to go to eradicate HIV/AIDS. In many parts of the country, especially in rural and afar villages, many still have difficulties in accessing ARVs and it is incumbent on government to ease access to lifesaving drugs. Government must intensify its awareness campaigns as vulnerable South Africans, especially poor women and children, still bear the brunt of this scourge. We each have a responsibility to let our actions count. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) therefore continues its call, to young and old, to protect themselves and those they love. Know your and your partner’s HIV status, be faithful, condomise and take your medication as required. It is each and everyone’s dream to see South Africa and the world beating this pandemic and the UDM encourages all South Africans to care about this serious issue and to change their behaviour. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Admin
02 Dec, 2017
Aids Day 2017
The impact of HIV/Aids (and other sexually transmitted diseases) on South African communities remains a concern. It is true that some progress has been made to make medical care available, to Aids sufferers and HIV positive South Africans, and that antiretroviral treatment is more readily obtainable. We have also seen a slight positive shift in the tolerance of Aids sufferers and HIV positive individuals, but they still face stigmatisation. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) believes that the, work to convince our people that their sexual behaviour must change, is still as relevant as it was in the past. According to StatsSA the total number of persons living with HIV in South Africa increased from an estimated 4,94 million in 2002 to 7,06 million by 2017. A shocking 12,6% of the total population is estimated to be HIV positive. Aside from the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, promiscuity, especially amongst young people, lead to far too many teenage pregnancies. UDEMWO appeals to the Nation to, if they are sexually active with multiple partners, have themselves regularly tested and abstain from sex, or always use condoms to prevent contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Also, the occurrences of mother to child HIV transmission are preventable. Let us remind ourselves that HIV and Aids are still a stark reality in our communities and that we are responsible for our sexual behaviour. Issued by Ms Thandi Nontenja, UDEMWO Secretary General
