Soweto: Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has urged men to actively participate in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This call to action comes as he kicked off a campaign aimed at enrolling 1.1 million individuals in HIV treatment by December 2025.
According to South African Government News Agency, statistics show that 65% of those tested in a 2010 campaign were women, highlighting the need for increased male participation. At the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg, the Minister addressed attendees, stressing the importance of men joining the battle against HIV. He noted that less than 30% of men are getting tested, often relying on their wives’ test results.
The campaign, launched in collaboration with the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and other stakeholders, is part of South Africa’s ongoing efforts to boost the uptake of life-saving HIV treatment. The goal is to ensure that 95% of people diagnosed with HIV receive and adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART) to achieve viral suppression.
South Africa currently has 7.8 million people living with HIV and AIDS, with 7.5 million aware of their status and at least 5.9 million on ARV treatment. The country is making strides towards meeting ambitious targets, but challenges remain in prevention, treatment initiation, adherence to ART, and retention in care.
The focus of the gathering was the launch of a campaign to eradicate HIV and AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. It aims to build on past successes in eradicating diseases such as smallpox and polio, emphasizing collective will and action.
Addressing concerns about tuberculosis (TB), Dr Motsoaledi cited historical neglect of other diseases. He highlighted the global eradication of smallpox as an example of what coordinated campaigns can achieve. The Minister called on everyone, particularly men, to take an active role in this vital battle.
Furthermore, the campaign will also address cervical cancer, expanding its scope to tackle multiple health challenges.