According to Wikipedia, since 1988, the first day of December has been devoted to commemorating those who have lost their lives to the disease and raising awareness of the Aids pandemic brought on by the spread of HIV infection.

Things, however, changed in 2020 with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Even though HIV-infected patients were and are still at risk of losing their lives due to complications of contracting the Corona Virus, HIV took a backseat and COVID became the centre of attention.

ALSO READ: Teenage pregnancies on the rise in Free State - Health

With this year’s theme “Global solidarity, shared responsibility”, it is time to unite and once more show support to people who are living with HIV and never forget those who died from Aids and its related complications.

 “Global solidarity means that it is everyone’s responsibility to help those who are victims of injustice and to deal with the underlying issues that cause these injustices.” (Kolers. 2005; Scholtz, 2008).

Being in The Know has stated that HIV prevalence in adults is 19.1%, with 230,00 new HIV infections.  Deaths from Aids totaled 83000, while Antiretroviral medication is used by 72% of people.

The ambassadors of HIV and Aids, the late Nkosi Johnson was born with HIV, Abdurrazack “Zachie” Achmat who made his HIV status known to the public, refused to take antiretroviral medication until everyone who required them had access to them.

 Unity and commemoration should be a recall that takes us back to when this day was at the forefront and given the attention that is due to it.

Read more about World Aids Day 2022 here.