Melikhaya Zagagana7 December 2024 | 12:26

AIDS Council urges HIV-positive men to take treatment to lessen virus’ severity, spread

The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) says many men living with the virus are defaulting on their treatment.

AIDS Council urges HIV-positive men to take treatment to lessen virus’ severity, spread

HIV / Pexels: Miguel Á. Padriñán

CAPE TOWN - The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) is calling on HIV-positive men to take their treatment to lessen the severity and spread of the virus.

SANAC says many men living with the virus are defaulting on their treatment.

Its chairperson, Mabhalane Mfundisi, said South Africa is among the countries with the highest prevalence of HIV, with more than 8 million people living with the virus.

Speaking at the Men’s Parliament gathering in Parow Municipality Chambers on Friday, Mfundisi urged citizens, especially men, to get tested.

"South Africa has the highest HIV infections in the world, and the people that are not taking up services including testing and taking treatment is men. So, in order for us to ensure that we get to what we call 95-95-95. So, 95% of people who are living in the country must have tested and know their HIV status."