Municipal Council of Manzini, AIDS Healthcare Foundation Joins The World in Commemorating International World AIDS Day
“Equalize – Eswatini Ending AIDS for all…”
The Municipal Council of Manzini joins the world in commemorating the International World AIDS Day which is observed on the 1st of December globally. As a Municipality we take this time to look back at how we have fared in responding to HIV and AIDS. And take pride in the great strides that we have achieved during the past year battling with the HIV virus in the city of Manzini. The Municipal Council of Manzini supported by UNAIDS signed up for the global fast track cities project on HIV on the 9th March 2022, wherein Council took the initiative to scan the overall city’s HIV response to identify gaps and see what needs to be fast-tracked through an HIV baseline survey that was completed in September this year. Furthermore, Council in partnership with AIDS HealthCare Foundation managed to commence a multi-million construction project of a new state of the art HIV clinic adjacent to the LaMvelase Clinic. These extraordinary partnerships influenced the introduction of the innovative drug dispensing machines which helps LaMvelase Clinic patients to access their medication past operating hours.
The International World AIDS day is a special day in all our lives and it is commemorated as a constant reminder that the fight against HIV/AIDS is imminent and it is a war that has to be fought globally in order for it to be finally conquered. Eswatini has done so well with regards to the 95 95 95 global HIV targets which is basically getting 95% of all the overall population tested for HIV, 95% of those that test HIV positive enrolled on art and 95% of those that are on art are virally suppressed; hitting the target a whole decade ahead which gives absolute satisfaction and empowerment that eSwatini will completely eradicate the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030. The city of Manzini is determined to continue leading by example when it comes to the innovative ways of curbing the HIV virus. Manzini is a city that will always ensure that she keeps passing the envelope forward by working closely with the government and partners to sensitize all citizens about HIV related matters. Having said that, the Municipality ensures that the LaMvelase healthcare centre is always up-to speed when it comes to providing effective solutions to aid in the fight against HIV.
The Municipality is also mandated to echo strategic objective 3.5 from the Integrated Development Plan which is providing integrated health and social welfare services by 2024; this objective is also in line with goal number 3 of the United Nations sustainable Global Goals which is enhancing good health and well-being. Council extends her greatest appreciation to all Public Private Partnerships that are supporting the fight against the spread of HIV in the city. We see a brighter future and more opportunities for growing the response to HIV and this cannot be possible without them. As the theme of the year has been succinctly coined, ’Equalize- Eswatini Ending AIDS for all , we will continue to work tirelessly towards the fight against HIV. We encourage all citizens to get tested, the LaMvelase, Filter Clinic Health centres are ready to assist at all times.
Rock the Red Ribbon; Join the virtual Red Ribbon this year
Join us in commemorating the World AIDS day this year through the virtual red ribbon. Look out for the red ribbon, which will be shared in all Council’s social media platforms. You are encouraged to reshare in all your social media platforms in that way joining the world in passing the message of the year coined in the theme, which is dubbed ‘Equalize- Eswatini Ending AIDS for all.’ The municipality’s world aids day event will take place on the 2nd December 2022 at the George hotel.
MANZINI FLEA MARKETS THIS SATURDAY
The Manzini City Council encourages entrepreneurship, therefore shall be hosting the Manzini flea market this weekend, on the 03rd December 2022, 7:00am to 5:00pm, at Louw Street, opposite Eswatini bank and Bhunu Mall. Please come join and shop for your Christmas holiday. Registration for stalls is at the Council Civic offices and shall begin on the 1st December 2022, 8:00am to 3:00pm.