The eThekwini Municipality was recognised for its efforts to reduce the spread of HIV/Aids at the Fast Track Cities Conference in Amsterdam on Sunday (September 24).
The City received an award for how it had responded to the challenge of HIV/Aids by implementing impactful programmes which focus on preventing new infections among the youth and enrolling those who have tested HIV-positive in treatment programmes.
Receiving the award on behalf of the municipality was eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda, who is leading the city’s delegation for the five-day conference. Mr Kaunda said he was truly humbled by the gesture and was confident that it would inspire and encourage the city to do more to reduce the spread of the virus.
“We want to thank the International Association of Providers of Aids Care (IAPAC), the United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAIDS), and the city of Amsterdam and other partners for continuing to support the global effort in the fight against HIV, TB, and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV),” said Mr Kaunda.
He added that the second biggest economy in South Africa, eThekwini Metropolitan has the highest number of HIV/Aids infections. Of the more than 600 000 people living with HIV/Aids, more than 500 000 are on anti-retroviral treatment.
“This indicates government’s commitment to reversing the scourge of HIV/Aids and TB. South Africa continues to run the biggest HIV/Aids treatment programme in the world. We are now beginning to see the positive impact of this programme as people are living longer. Today, the life expectancy of the people of South Africa has increased to over 60. We have also significantly reduced the mother to child transmission of HIV,” he added.
Mr Kaunda attributed this success to the seriousness with which the South African government has treated HIV/Aids. He said, for instance, HIV/Aids programmes in South Africa are championed by the deputy president, premiers and mayors. In eThekwini, the mayor is the chairperson of the District Aids Committee which sits quarterly to receive reports and monitors progress on interventions to fight the virus.
Mr Kaunda conveyed his gratitude to all stakeholders who are working with the city to curb the spread of TB and HIV.
“This award belongs to all members of the District Aids Council because it was through a collective effort that the city is making progress in turning the tide against HIV,” he said.
