Mabuza commends govt work in fighting HIV/Aids
Deputy President David Mabuza has applauded the work done by government in the fight against the HIV/AIDs pandemic.
Mabuza gave the keynote address at this year’s World Aids Day commemoration at Itireleng Community Health Centre in Soweto on Tuesday
According to UNAIDS, 7.7 million South Africans are living with HIV.
Mabuza said between April 2019 and March this year, over 18 million people have tested for HIV.
"Thus, exceeding the annual target of 14 million that we had set for ourselves. Our treatment programme has also reduced the number of deaths due to Aids by 60%.”
Mabuza also pointed out that the country has made great strides ensuring that South Africans know their HIV status.
"At present, 92% of people living with HIV know their status. Of course, there are provinces that are doing better than others, but in general, South Africans are testing, and this behaviour needs to be encouraged and maintained.
"We have ensured that 73% of people diagnosed with HIV receive sustained anti-retroviral treatment.
"Therefore, the country has a treatment gap of 17%. We are encouraged that our country’s performance to reach a 90% viral suppression level, stands at 88%.”
Mabuza said even though the success in fighting the virus is encouraging, it remains important for those infected by the virus to start treatment and stay on treatment to limit transmission and the rate of new infections.
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