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1 December is the international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.  It is also an opportunity show support for people living with HIV and remember those who have passed away. The theme for this year is “Working together to end inequalities HIV, TB and Covid-19, Get Tested, Get Vaccinated, Adhere to treatment!”

This year’s theme emphasizes the need to test, to vaccinate and to adhere to treatment (be it for HIV, TB or COVID-19 therapeutics). It also speaks to the need to work as a collective in our communities in response to the HIV and TB epidemics including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gauteng was the epi-centre of the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in HIV, TB and STIs resources being re-directed to Covid related activities. This greatly impacted on the City of Johannesburg’s ability to effectively treat HIV/AIDS.

Gauteng’s HIV programme performance was severely affected by the COVID pandemic. Data comparison for Quarter 1 (April – June) of 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, shows the following impact on certain services. Total tests done for HIV declined by 15%. HIV Positivity Case Finding declined by 37%. Total number of patients initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) declined by 37% and the total number of patients remaining on ART went down by 5%.

With a population of 5,515,089 million and a 12.9% HIV prevalence, the City of Johannesburg is committed to continue the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This will be achieved by decreasing the disparities in accessing basic health care services and by raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. The City’s actions will be geared towards promoting screening and testing for HIV, promoting treatment adherence as well as promoting prevention and mitigate against stigma and discrimination. The City will also address the social and structural drivers of HIV, STIs and TB infections.

Issued by the City of Joburg