The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape joins the global community in observing World AIDS Day under this year’s theme, “Let Communities Lead.” As the province marks the day, we reaffirm our commitment to closing the gaps in HIV and TB treatment and to empowering every community to play an active role in the response.
Recent provincial data reveal an adult HIV treatment cascade of 94 – 78 – 93: while most people living with HIV know their status, far too many remain outside lifelong antiretroviral therapy. In line with the national “Close the ART Gap” campaign, the Eastern Cape is working to locate and re?engage 148 322 individuals who are not currently on treatment.
Key achievements include a 78 % TB treatment success rate, exceeding the national target and the rollout of shorter, more effective drug?resistant TB regimens. These gains demonstrate what can be accomplished when communities, health workers, and government collaborate.
World AIDS Day is a moment for solidarity: to stand with those living with HIV, to honour those we have lost, and to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges. The ANC calls on traditional leaders, civil?society organisations, and all community formations to join hands in a multisectoral effort against HIV, TB and sexually transmitted infections.
We must eliminate stigma and discrimination, promote safe?sex practices, and encourage consistent condom use. People who test positive must be supported to start and stay on treatment, because early and sustained therapy saves lives and curbs transmission.
The ANC appreciates the work being done by the Eastern Cape AIDS Council in responding to HIV AIDS in our province. The Eastern Cape AIDS Council, together with provincial health authorities led by the Department of Health, will continue to lead the multi-sectoral response to HIV/AIDS, TB and STI. We urge every resident to support these initiatives, to volunteer where possible, and to help create an environment where everyone feels safe to seek testing, treatment and care.
Issued by the ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Committee
Yanga Zicina
ANC Eastern Cape Spokesperson
Cell: +27 78 640 2752
For Media Enquiries Contact:
Gift Ngqondi
ANC Eastern Cape Head of Communications
Cell: +27 84 843 9706/0849519924
