On Sunday, December 1, South Africa will join the global community in commemorating the 37th annual World AIDS Day.
This is a vital opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the fight against HIV and AIDS while addressing the stigma and barriers that still prevent many from accessing testing and treatment.
Under this year’s theme, "Equal Rights, Equal Care", the focus is ensuring equitable access to healthcare and empowering individuals to take charge of their health.
The main national event, led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who also chairs the South African National AIDS Council, will occur at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape.
This year’s theme underscores the importance of providing equal healthcare opportunities to every South African, regardless of their circumstances.
One of the key messages of World AIDS Day 2024 is the encouragement to test for HIV.
According to Maggie Munsamy, National Health Insurance: Technical Specialist for the Dablapmeds programme, testing is the critical first step toward treatment and long-term health.
"We should not be afraid to know our HIV status. If you self-test and find you are HIV positive, this is the first step to registering at your health facility for the treatment that will save your life," says Munsamy.
Knowing your HIV status is empowering. Early detection allows people living with HIV to start antiretroviral treatment (ARVs) immediately, which can significantly reduce the virus in their body to undetectable levels.
This not only improves their health but also prevents transmission to others.
The role of dablapmeds in supporting HIV care
The Dablapmeds programme, an initiative by the National Department of Health (NDoH), has been instrumental in providing chronic medication to stable patients, including those living with HIV.
This programme improves access to treatment by offering convenient pick-up points for medication closer to patients' homes or workplaces.
In the Eastern Cape, for example, the growing number of dablapmeds pick-up points has made it easier for individuals to adhere to their treatment plans.
This convenience is vital because consistent ARV use suppresses the viral load, improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of transmission.
"Dablapmeds helps remove many barriers to treatment. At no cost, stable Eastern Cape Health patients have access to high-standard care through this programme, giving effect to this year’s theme of equal rights and equal care," says Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane.
By making medication collection quicker, safer, and cost-effective, dablapmeds also supports those living with other chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.
This holistic approach ensures that patients remain healthy and receive the necessary care.
Tackling HIV with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals
South Africa is committed to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 strategy, which aims to:
1. Ensure 95% of people living with HIV know their status.
2. Get 95% of individuals diagnosed with HIV on ARV treatment.
3. Achieve viral suppression in 95% of those on treatment.
Pharmacist Bradley Mphaho, Medipost’s CCMDD procurement and stock manager for the Dablapmeds programme, emphasizes that consistent ARV use is essential to achieving these goals.
When ARVs are taken correctly, they prevent the virus from replicating, allowing patients to live long and healthy lives.
"Preventing HIV starts with self-testing, practising safe sex, and avoiding contact with other people’s blood or bodily fluids. Free condoms are available at public clinics, and those at higher risk of infection can inquire about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)," says Mphaho.
By combining these preventive measures with the 95-95-95 strategy, South Africa is making strides toward creating a future where new HIV infections are rare, and those living with HIV can thrive.
Breaking the stigma around HIV
Despite the progress made in recent decades, stigma remains a significant barrier to testing and treatment. Many individuals still fear discrimination or judgment, which prevents them from seeking care.
The reality, however, is that HIV is a manageable chronic condition when treated properly.
As Dr Victor Ramathesele, CEO of Medipost Pharmacy, explains: "If you test and are diagnosed as HIV positive today, it can be managed like any other chronic condition. Some so many people are fit and well into their 60s and beyond, many years after diagnosis because they have stuck to their treatment plan."
This message is critical for breaking outdated ideas about HIV and encouraging more people to get tested. Knowing your status and following a treatment plan can lead to a long, fulfilling life.
Take action:
- Get Tested: Visit your nearest clinic or self-test at home.
- Access free resources: Use free condoms and explore PrEP options if you’re at higher risk.
- Stick to your treatment plan: If you’re living with HIV, take your ARVs consistently to suppress the virus.
- Encourage others: Talk to your family and friends about the importance of testing and treatment.