eThekwini: An African Beacon in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

eThekwini: An African Beacon in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Fast-Track City Status: A Milestone Achievement

In a significant milestone for public health in Africa, the city of eThekwini in South Africa has been accorded the “Fast-Track City” status, a first for any city on the continent. This recognition came during the Fast-Track Cities conference, an initiative led by UNAIDS, the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. The city was lauded for its remarkable progress in achieving the 90-90-90 targets set by UNAIDS.

These targets aim to ensure that at least 90% of all people living with HIV know their HIV status, 90% of all people diagnosed with HIV infection receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy have viral suppression. Achieving these targets is a crucial step towards eliminating the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.

eThekwini’s Comprehensive Strategy: A Model for Success

The success of eThekwini is largely attributed to its comprehensive strategy in tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The city runs HIV/AIDS clinics, provides antiretroviral therapy, and conducts awareness campaigns, making significant strides towards reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. Moreover, the city’s efforts have greatly improved the health and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS.

The recognition of eThekwini’s efforts is a testament to the importance of local action in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. It underscores the role of cities in achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets and moving closer to the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Continued Efforts to Sustain Progress

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Dr. Nomakhosi Gxagxisa, the Head of the HIV/AIDS unit in the eThekwini Municipality, credited the city’s healthcare workers and the resilience of the community for this achievement. She further emphasized the need for continued efforts to sustain the progress made and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The city’s dedication to combating HIV/AIDS is evident in the fact that over 500,000 of the 600,000 individuals living with HIV and AIDS within the metro have access to vital antiretroviral treatment. This accomplishment underscores the city’s commitment to providing care and support to its residents in their battle against this devastating disease.

Leading by Example: Inspiring Other Cities

eThekwini’s recognition at the Fast-Track Cities conference serves as an inspiring example for other cities and regions in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The city’s success in achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive local strategies in combating this disease.

As the Fast-Track Cities Conference continues, the success story of eThekwini Municipality stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be accomplished through unwavering commitment and cooperation in the global effort to combat HIV and AIDS. The city’s achievement is not only a milestone for eThekwini but it also sets a benchmark for other cities across the globe in their fight against HIV/AIDS.