Approximately every 100 seconds, a child or young person under the age of 20 was newly infected with Human Immunodefiency Virus (HIV) last year, bringing the total number of children living with HIV to 2.8 million. This statistics was revealed in a UNICEF report today.
The report, Reimagining a resilient HIV
response for children, adolescents and pregnant women living with HIV,
warns that children are being left behind in the fight against HIV.
Prevention efforts and treatment for children
remain some of the lowest amongst key affected populations.
Tuesday marks World Aids Day, under the theme,
“Global solidarity, shared responsibility” and as the Chair of the South
African National AIDS Council, Deputy President David Mabuza, will lead the
national commemoration with an address on progress in the country’s response.
The Western Cape’s Health MEC, Dr. Nomafrench
Mbombo says citizens couldn’t get tested for HIV as South Africans were under ‘hard
lockdown’
‘’During the COVID-19 pandemic in the province,
HIV services were affected as clients were told to stay home, that medication
would be delivered to them, and that they only present to health facilities for
emergencies and for chronic medication. Consequently, all primary health care
(PHC) services that were considered non-emergencies (e.g. family planning or
related), were de-escalated. This has posed a challenge for clients testing and
starting antiretroviral treatment (ART), and accessing other services, such as
voluntary male medical circumcision.’’
In his weekly letter, President Cyril Ramaphosa
said more work on HIV prevention among key populations, including sex workers,
men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs is needed.
South Africa, he added, needs to increase
efforts to medically circumcise young men to reduce their risk of acquiring
HIV, saying unsafe circumcision should not leave young men dead or with
lifelong health complications.
Done By: Mitchum George
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