BREAKING THE HIV/AIDS STIGMA AND ENSURING MORE ACCESS LIFE-SAVING RESOURCES

By Madali Chibambu

• As part of its commitment to HIV/Aids education, prevention, and support, the Gauteng Department of Social Development visited the Denver Hostel in Johannesburg.
• The department seeks to break the stigma around HIV/Aids and ensure people access life-saving resources.
• The department also encourages anyone who volunteers to undergo the test to also participate in counselling, as it plays a crucial role in understanding the impact of the virus.

Encouraging men in particular to adopt healthy behaviours, including visiting local health institutions to find out their HIV status, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, with the African Youth Development Fund, hosted an awareness campaign at the Denver Hostel in Johannesburg on 1 March 2025.

The event aimed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote access to essential health services, according to the director for HIV/Aids in the Gauteng Department of Social Development Tsakani Maluleke.

“Through this initiative, we seek to create a meaningful impact by providing educational sessions, fostering open discussions, and offering health services that empower attendees with accurate information and support,” said Maluleke.

The campaign saw an overwhelming response from the hostel residents, with both young and old gathering to access information and undergo counselling provided by social workers.

“We work closely with communities to distribute vital information on HIV/Aids,” Maluleke said.

“We encourage every parent who volunteers to test to also participate in counselling, as it plays a crucial role in understanding the impact of the virus.”

Maluleke added that the department also supports individuals on treatment by providing food parcels to ensure they do not take medication on an empty stomach.

African Youth Development Fund director Nhlanhla Zwane stressed the importance of men taking the initiative to get tested and seek treatment if necessary.

“As a non-profit organisation working alongside the government, we are committed to assisting our communities. While knowing your status may not be an easy decision, it is crucial for maintaining a long, healthy life and being able to care for your family,” said Zwane.

“We engage with a broad audience, including hostel residents and community leaders, to showcase various initiatives and services related to HIV/Aids awareness, prevention, and support,” Zwane added.

“Our goal is to contribute to meaningful discussions and activities that drive positive change, reduce stigma, and promote inclusivity.”

Among the attendees was Sabelo Nkosi, who spotted the awareness campaign truck in his neighbourhood and followed it to the hostel.

“This is free information for the public, and we should take advantage of opportunities like this to educate ourselves about HIV/Aids. Many men are still losing their lives to the virus or defaulting on treatment, and that needs to change,” said Nkosi.

The campaign successfully strengthened the department’s commitment to HIV/Aids education, prevention, and support, emphasising that community engagement and open dialogue are critical in breaking the stigma and ensuring that more individuals access life-saving resources.