The Congress of South African Trade Unions joins millions of people around the world to mark the World Aids Day, today 1st of December 2015, under the global theme; “The Time to Act is Now,” The federation encourages all workers and citizens to use this campaign to get tested, so that they get to know their statuses.

We have come a long way as a country in our fight against HIV and Aids but while we appreciate the strides that have been, we still have to acknowledge that there is still a long way to go. The recent reports that show that there is an increase in the infection rate amongst young girls are a course for concern. This can only be defeated if all stakeholders are seriously engaged in this campaign. We also need to ensure that we eliminate the underlying causes of young people engaging in risky sex like, alcohol abuse and the phenomenon of sugar daddies that is mostly caused by poverty.

We are happy that the nation is making strides in removing the stigma surrounding the disease and we are also encouraged by the improvement in the access to the antiretroviral treatment. We should continuously work to promote acceptance of those who are living with HIV and AIDS as a way of trying to combat the epidemic.
All of us as the citizens, we need to take personal responsibility to stop new infections by regularly testing for HIV Aids.

The Aids epidemic has inflicted the single greatest reversal in the history of human development and has become the greatest challenge of our generation. We are happy with the reports that show that over three {3} million people now have access to the life-saving antiretroviral treatment.

We need to send a clear message that silence is death. The federation also challenges all fathers, husbands, sons and brothers to support and affirm the rights of women. They should work hard to protect their families from the risks that are posed by HIV and Aids.

Issued by COSATU