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The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) joins the millions of South Africans and people around the globe to mark 1 December, World Aids Day under the theme: “It is in our hands to end HIV and TB”.

The theme serves as a reminder that it is up to each and every individual to end the scourge of this pandemic. Although many inroads have been made to bring awareness, fight the stigma, encourage people to test and access to anti-retroviral treatment in our public health institutions, it is sad to note that women continue to bear the brunt of HIV. 2000 adolescent girls and young women continue to be infected with HIV every week.

This is due to among others, the prevailing patriarchal attitudes in our society and gender-based violence mainly targeting the most vulnerable in society – women, children and the elderly. We therefore call for the strengthening of measures to disarm gender violence within our homes, families and intimate relations.

As a Union in the education sector, we urge our members to continue to teach children about HIV/IDS, issues of gender relations, sexuality and wellness in our schools. Studies have shown that education plays a significant role in reducing HIV and in helping to remove the stigma and discrimination faced by those living with the virus.

We call on our members and communities to go in their large numbers and have themselves tested on this day and attend events and activities that are taking place throughout the country to observe World Aids Day. Let us all join hands and ensure that we reach the global objective to eradicate this virus by 2030. 

Issued by SADTU