Mdantsane: ‘People must be encouraged to test for and know their HIV status as this will save lives,’ says Senior Clinical Manager, Dr Phumza Nobatyi. Dr Nobatyi was speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the World Aids Day commemoration at the Sisa Dukashe stadium in Mdantsane, in the Eastern Cape on Sunday. She emphasized that living with HIV today is not the same as in the past when people were dying due to lack of treatment. With advancements in healthcare, patients with HIV are now living healthy and normal lives. ‘It’s not a death sentence, it can be treated,’ she affirmed.

According to South African Government News Agency, Dr Nobatyi, who serves as a Senior Clinical Manager at the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Health District overseeing 85 health institutions, stressed the importance of everyone knowing their HIV status. South Africa, on Sunday, joined the global community in marking World Aids Day 2024, with a focus on ensuring universal access to quality health care for all its citizens. Th
is day is celebrated annually worldwide to show solidarity with millions living with HIV and to promote awareness about the epidemic, aiming to encourage HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

This year’s theme, ‘Equal Rights, Equal Care,’ calls for equal, equitable, and dignified access to healthcare for all South Africans, regardless of economic status, gender, race, or sexuality. Community member Nobantu Ntsaluba shared with SAnews that the government should intensify efforts to encourage safer sex practices and regular HIV status checks. ‘It’s better to know your status than to live not knowing your status. Today, there is help for those living with HIV, there is treatment,’ Ntsaluba mentioned, urging young people to practice safer sex and maintain monogamous relationships.

World Aids Day, first observed in 1988, serves to raise awareness about HIV and Aids while honoring the lives lost. This year’s commemoration is led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, alongside notable figures such as SANAC Civil Soci
ety Chairperson Solly Nduku, SANAC Private Sector Chairperson Nompumelelo Zikalala, Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, and representatives from development partners including UNAIDS, UNICEF, WHO, and various US government agencies. Community members from different regions in the Eastern Cape are also in attendance, reflecting a united front in the fight against HIV and Aids.