Health
Mayor Gwamanda Pledges Ongoing City Efforts in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS
The Executive Joburg Mayor has launched the U=U campaign in partnership with UNAIDS at Soweto Theatre in Jabulani. The City of Johannesburg reports that the campaign aims to ensure access to treatment and care for people living with HIV, improving their quality of life and reducing HIV transmission through viral suppression.
Mayor Gwamanda and Cllr Ennie Makhafola emphasised that an undetectable viral load means no virus transmission to partners. Joburg has high HIV-positive cases, making testing and early treatment crucial.
Thabang Mhlanga, leader of People Living with HIV in Gauteng, welcomed the campaign, hoping to address stigma, treatment challenges, and clinic drug stock levels. He urged HIV testing for TB too.
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UNAIDS Country Director, Dr Eva Kiwango, praised Joburg’s efforts to end AIDS, emphasising that it requires a political and financial commitment.
Mayor Gwamanda noted that HIV should not be trivialised, and testing and treatment must be prioritised. U=U is a powerful concept to end HIV.
The campaign launch followed eThekwini City, making Joburg the second metro in the country to join.
The U=U campaign is essential in fighting HIV and AIDS, promoting awareness, testing, and access to treatment. With collective efforts, cities like Joburg can make significant progress in eradicating HIV stigma and improving the lives of those living with the virus.
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Picture: Twitter / CityofJoburgZA
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