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NEWS IN BRIEF Eshowe achieves UNAIDS target ahead of 2020 deadline
The community of Eshowe in KwaZu- lu-Natal has been lauded for its stellar efforts in reaching the 90-90-90 United Nations AIDS target ahead of the 2020 deadline.
The ambitious target calls on countries to reach the goals of having 90% of peo- ple with HIV diagnosed by 2020; 90% of diagnosed people on antiretroviral treatment by 2020 and 90% of people on treatment with fully suppressed viral load by 2020.
Not only did the small community of Eshowe reached the deadline ahead of time, but it exceeded its target by obtaining a 90-94-95 target.
This means that 90% of people liv- ing with HIV have been diagnosed, while 94% of those diagnosed are on antiretroviral treatment and 95% of people on treatment have a fully suppressed viral load.
This achievement was lauded at the official launch of the UNAIDS Global Report on the latest data on the HIV epidemic at the King Dinuzulu Stadium in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal.
The report contains the latest infor- mation on progress and challenges in the AIDS response and highlights the enormous impact community health
workers have in successfully expand- ing access to treatment, supporting adherence and preventing new HIV infections.
This victory has been attributed to the joining of hands by government, activ- ists and global partners such as UN- AIDS – with communities at the heart of the efforts.
Deputy President David Mabuza offi- ciated the official launch of the report. He was accompanied by Health Minis- ter Zweli Mkhize, UNAIDS Deputy Ex- ecutive Director Gunilla Carlsson and KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala.
Deputy President Mabuza said the success of the work done is a testa- ment to the power of social capital.
“It reminds us of the social capital vested in our communities. This social capital needs to be harnessed to help guide our response,” said the Deputy President.
Carlsson, who released the report, said by placing communities at the centre, South Africa has made a dent in the epidemic.
“South Africa has turned its epidemic around by focusing its policies and pro-
grammes on people and not diseases,” said Carlsson.
Since 2010, new HIV infections have been reduced by 25% among young women.
New infections and funding threat- en 2020 target
Despite the strides made, new HIV in- fections and a decline in funding prove to be a major hurdle.
Carlsson stressed that it is unaccept- able that every week 6 200 adolescent girls and young women become infect- ed with HIV worldwide.
In South Africa, which is home to 20% of the global HIV epidemic, 200 young adolescent girls and young women be- come infected daily.
Carlsson stated that global resources for HIV declined significantly by nearly US $ 1billion.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize called on the community to end the HIV stigma and encouraged men to go out and get tested.
– SAnews.gov.za
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Volume 12 No.3 of 2019 | SERVICE DELIVERY REVIEW 7