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Graphic for a HIV campaign
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Thami Ntuli has hailed non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and volunteers for continuing to work tirelessly in educating communities about HIV/AIDS.
He was speaking at the World AIDS Day commemoration event held at uMzingazi Sports Ground in Richards Bay, in the north of the province.
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘
As part of the World AIDS Day commemoration, KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli visited uMbonambi Clinic to conduct Operation Siyahlola
Premier Ntuli today Launched the Provincial Implementation Plan as part of the Provincial Initiative… pic.twitter.com/0jsXhrBimZ
— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) December 1, 2024
Ntuli says KZN has made significant strides in reducing new infections and rolling out ARVs to people living with HIV and AIDS.
He has also praised traditional leaders, for their role in the fight against the virus, particularly the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
“He is one of the leaders who were honoured by different international countries for his leading role in fighting the stigma against those living with the virus. He is one of the first leaders who came out about losing some of his children to the virus. He came out in public when it was not fashionable to do so, he fought the HIV/AIDS stigma head on.”
Ntuli says while latest figures have shown that HIV prevalence is high in KZN, it is encouraging that the province is on track towards achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
The targets are intended to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 95% of people who know their status receive HIV treatment and that 95% of people on treatment have suppressed viral loads.
Ntuli says today they have pledged to change the current image that KZN is the home of the pandemic by having many people infected with this virus.
