In Gauteng, over 80,000 residents diagnosed with HIV or eligible for treatment are opting out of antiretroviral therapy, exacerbating the virus's spread. The City of Johannesburg commemorated World AIDS Day by urging men and youth to get tested. Officials highlighted new initiatives to create safe spaces for testing.
The commemoration of the 37th World AIDS Day took place on Thursday at the George Goch Men’s Hostel in Benrose, Johannesburg, under the theme 'Renewed efforts and sustainable commitments to end AIDS.' This event underscored a persistent challenge in Gauteng, where 80,000 individuals who have been diagnosed or qualify for antiretroviral (ARV) treatment are choosing not to receive it.
Recent data points to reluctance among men and boys to undergo HIV testing, which is contributing to the ongoing transmission of the virus. Health officials particularly emphasized the need for young people aged 15 to 24 and men to prioritize testing. As part of broader efforts, the Johannesburg AIDS Council is launching targeted campaigns to address these barriers.
Tshepo Lekwape, co-chairperson of the Johannesburg AIDS Council, explained the approach: 'One of the things that we are doing right now, because we have realised that asking them continuously to go to facilities doesn’t work. We are actually now having a campaign called Indoda Wednesday under the Better for men, better for tomorrow. We go to all corners of Johannesburg, creating safe spaces for men so that they are now free. Even in our clinic, we are pushing for a men’s corner.'
The event also featured a keynote address by Cllr Ennie Makhafola, the MMC for Health and Social Development in the City of Johannesburg. Looking ahead, officials noted that the innovative Lenacapavir treatment is slated for availability in 2026, offering potential advancements in HIV prevention and management.