- South Africa marked World AIDS Day with a call for men to take a more active role in combating HIV/AIDS.
- Despite strides like the world’s largest ARV program, gaps remain, with 1.1 million men not on treatment.
- Leaders emphasised empowering women, addressing corruption, and intensifying prevention efforts.
On Sunday 1 December, South Africa joined the global community to observe World Aids Day, a time to reflect on progress made in combating HIV/Aids and to renew efforts toward an Aids-free generation.
World Aids Day is celebrated annually on December 1 and this year’s theme, “Take the right path: My health, my right”, highlights the critical importance of ensuring access to health services as a fundamental human right, particularly in the fight against HIV/Aids.
South Africa remains at the forefront of the global HIV/Aids epidemic, with over 8,2 million people living with HIV, according to the latest United Nations Aids (UNAIDS) report.
In a debate commemorating World Aids Day this year, Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi called on South African men to step up in the fight against the scourge, emphasizing their critical role in curbing the epidemic.
“The solution to ending Aids lies with men,” he said. “Women have played their role.
“Men, take the baton and play your part. Stand up and be counted.”
Despite South Africa’s historic rollout of the largest antiretroviral (ARV) programme in 2010, challenges persist.
Reflecting on the strides made, Motsoaledi acknowledged “we are proud to have responded comprehensively, with 5,5 million people now on ARV treatment”.
However, he noted gaps, particularly among men, 1,1 million of whom are not taking life-saving ARVs despite knowing their status.
“Men don’t visit healthcare facilities or attend churches,” he remarked. “They remain the majority in spreading Aids.”
Differing views
The debate revealed varied political perspectives.
Member of Parliament Nompumelelo Gasa commended progress but cautioned against complacency, stating: “Living with Aids has been normalised, leading to laxity among the youth.”
Meanwhile, Dr Sophie Thembekwayo stressed: “Corruption in the healthcare sector sacrifices lives at the altar of greed.”
A medical doctor, Tebogo Letlape, highlighted social drivers of the epidemic, pointing to the link between women’s economic disempowerment and HIV prevalence.
“We must empower women, rehabilitate men and double our efforts on prevention,” he argued.
With over 96% of South Africans knowing their HIV status but significant treatment gaps remaining, leaders urged the nation to intensify efforts.
As Motsoaledi aptly summarised: “We must ensure health as a right for all men must step forward for us to see the end of this pandemic.”
