World Aids Day 2019

1 December

World AIDS Day is commemorated each year on the 1st of December and is an opportunity for every community to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV and remember those who have died.

HIV and AIDS in South Africa

South Africa has been relentless in its mission to turn the HIV, AIDS, and TB epidemics around. There have been many scientific advances in HIV treatment and we now have a much better understanding of the virus. More people are receiving antiretroviral treatment, which means HIV infection rates are decreasing.

Former President Nelson Mandela said: "Many people suffering from AIDS and not killed by the disease itself but are killed by the stigma surrounding everybody who has HIV and AIDS.”

The devastating effects include abandonment by spouse or family, social ostracism, job and property loss, school expulsion, denial of medical services, lack of care, support and violence.

World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public that HIV has not gone away and that collectively, there is the need to increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education to maintain and achieve the aims and objectives of the country as set out in the National Strategic Plan on HIV, STIs and TB.

We need to remove the stigma

We need to rethink how we view HIV/AIDS to remove the misconceptions and know the facts about HIV, how it is contracted. Understand that it does not affect one community over another, we are all susceptible to contracting HIV/AIDS. The impact of HIV-related stigma is shattering on an individual.

Know your status

As important as it is to educate ourselves, our friends and family on HIV/AIDS, it is equally important to know your own status. HIV self-testing in the privacy of your own home is quick, convenient and confidential. A self-test is a screening test that shows the presence of cells and antibodies in your blood which fight HIV. HIV self-testing does not provide a final diagnosis and would need to be verified with another blood-based test (confirmatory test). This can be done with your healthcare professional.

What if I test positive?

It is important to remember that a positive HIV test is not a death sentence. You can still lead a healthy, long happy life.

How can I show my Support this World AIDS Day?

Show your support this World AIDS Day by wearing your red ribbon and educating yourself and others on the disease.

Source:

https://www.gov.za/speeches/world-aids-day-2019-18-dec-2018-1011

https://www.bankmed.co.za/portal/individual/bankmed-article-world-aids-day

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