‘There is significant reduction in the stigma surrounding HIV’

A red ribbon is put on the sleeves of a man by his friend to show support for people living with HIV during a program to raise awareness about AIDS on World AIDS Day.

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Today marks World AIDS Day, a global call to action in the fight against HIV.

This year’s international theme, “Putting People First,” emphasises the importance of prioritising the needs and well-being of individuals affected by HIV.

Health practitioner from the Gauteng Department of Health, Philly Mabusela, says there has been a significant reduction in the stigma surrounding HIV.

He says people living with the virus are now more empowered to disclose their status openly, without fear of judgment or rejection.

Mabusela says, “The stigma is not as much as it used to be, a lot of people are open about HIV, people take their HIV drugs and people are suppressed meaning that the probability of them transmitting it gets to be less as they are suppressed.”