Mpumalanga is listed among the provinces with high HIV/AIDS infections in the country, despite aggressive measures aimed at reducing these cases. These measures include, but not limited to the integrated health services such as free on-site HIV testing, TB and STI screening, cervical cancer screening, and checks for non-communicable diseases.
As the country marked World AIDS Day on 01 December in Limpopo, the Mpumalanga Provincial Government is preparing for a Provincial commemoration on Friday in the Nkomazi Local Municipality.
Research estimates that 31.6 million people worldwide are receiving treatment, with only 1.3 million new infections, marking significant progress.
In 2024, South Africa recorded approximately 8.1 million new HIV infections, underscoring the necessity for enhanced prevention strategies and education to curb the spread of the virus.
The Mpumalanga Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu will deliver the keynote address on Friday to raise awareness about the prevention of new HIV and TB infections, and finding the missing TB patients.
The province has made significant advances to ensure that citizens have a better understanding of the virus and to mobilize people who have tested positive to take antiretroviral treatment.
The Provincial commemoration will take place under the theme: “Renewed efforts and sustainable commitments to end AIDS”, and it seeks to, among others, encourage individuals, communities, and institutions to strengthen collaboration, adopt innovative solutions, and maintain the momentum built over decades, as well as reaffirming the Mpumalanga Provincial Government’s commitment to protecting the human rights of all people living with and affected by HIV.
The commemoration will be preceded by the sitting of the Mpumalanga
Provincial AIDS Council (MPAC), which comprises the Civil Society Forum, Government Departments and the Private Sector.
The sessions are held every quarter to evaluate the progress of HIV/AIDS programmes and are co-chaired by Premier Ndlovu and a representative from Civil Society.
Both activities have been planned as follows;
MPAC COUNCIL SITTING
Date: Thursday, 04 December 2025
Venue: Elangeni Lodge, KaMhlushwa
Nkomazi Local Municipality
Time: 09h00
WORLD AIDS DAY COMMEMORATION
Date: Friday, 05 December 2025
Venue: KaMhlushwa Stadium, Nkomazi Local Municipality
Time: 09h00
Members of the media are invited. For confirmation, contact Ms. Phumla Mokoena (Office of the Premier) on 060 998 8781 or Mr. Chris Nobela (Department of Health) on 082 887 9465.
ENDS…
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Enquiries: Mr George Mthethwa – (Provincial Government Spokesperson 013 766 2242/ 083 302 2774 or Mr Dumisani Malamule (Health Spokesperson) on 081 790 6307).