Deputy President David Mabuza is set to address the World Aids Day commemoration in Bloemfontein on Thursday 1 December 2022.

ALSO READ: Free State to host World Aids Day in Mangaung

The metro spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, says Tsekeletsa Street, between Moshoeshoe and Mokoloko Streets, including Thakalekoala Street – from Moshoeshoe to Mokoloko Street - will be closed to allow for the smooth flow of traffic leading to the stadium.

Khedama says this is in anticipation of the high number of participants expected to be in attendance. The event will be commemorate World Aids Day with the theme "Equalise and Integrate to End Aids".

The streets in the vicinity of the stadium will be temporarily closed from 06:00 until the end of the event at around 13:00 today.

Deputy President Mabuza is expected to be flanked by the national Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla and Premier Sisi Ntombela.

This event comes after Ntombela addressed the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) event, which targeted the use or abuse of drugs and substances in schools and communities in the province.

At this gathering - which was attended by a number of dignitaries, including the PSC's national commissioner, Somadoda Fikeni-Ntombela - shocking statistics about teenage pregnancies in the province were shared.

ALSO READ: 'Free State teenage pregnancy stats frightening'

According to the National Health spokesperson, Foster Mohale, the country will express solidarity with those affected and infected by the pandemic as it prepares for the global community's observance of World Aids Day, which aims to raise awareness about HIV and Aids.

"It is estimated that 150 new cases are recorded in the country daily, mainly among young people aged 15 to 24. Therefore, we would like to urge and encourage South Africans to regularly have health screening and testing,"

The event will also seek to highlight the plight of communities bearing the effects of persistent inequalities that continue to hinder the country’s efforts to end Aids. According to Mohale, "these inequalities include poverty, exclusion and inadequate access to services, particularly by key and vulnerable populations, including transgender persons and sex workers.

"World Aids Day is commemorated annually across the globe to show solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV and also to raise awareness about the status of the pandemic, and encourage HIV prevention, treatment and care," Mohale added.

OFM News