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World AIDS Day 2024: Municipality Celebrates Progress in HIV, AIDS Response

On the 1^st of December every year, communities around the world reflect on the achievements and challenges in the fight against HIV and AIDS. For the Kingdom of Eswatini and the City of Manzini, this year’s World AIDS Day theme “The Right Path, My Health, My Right,” highlights the importance of accessible healthcare and the collective effort needed to eliminate HIV-related stigma. This theme is particularly relevant to the Municipal Council of Manzini, which has made notable strides in responding to the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Manzini, a vibrant and diverse city, faces unique challenges in addressing HIV and AIDS. However, through the HIV/AIDS Programme, the Municipality ensures that all residents have access to essential care and support. The Municipality’s HIV/AIDS Programme encompasses prevention, treatment and support services; offering tailored initiatives that are inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of the city and country’s population.

…MUNICIPALITY’S COMPREHENSIVE HIV, AIDS RESPONSE SERVICES

The Municipality’s HIV and AIDS programmes aim to provide equitable healthcare for all residents, tackling the pandemic through awareness, prevention and treatment initiatives. Key services include;

• Public Education and Awareness Campaigns
  The Municipality organizes regular sensitization sessions in schools, community gatherings and youth clubs to foster open discussions on HIV prevention, clarify misconceptions and reduce stigma.
• HIV Prevention Services
  Residents access free HIV testing, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and referrals for gender-based violence (GBV) services at the Municipality’s healthcare facilities, namely; LaMvelase and Filter Clinic.
• Condom Promotion and Distribution
  To promote safe practices, the Municipality ensures free condom distribution at public facilities, aiming to increase access to vital prevention resources.
• Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART)
  The Municipality provides life-saving ART services to over 16,000 residents living with HIV, ensuring long-term health and support for HIV-positive individuals.
• Youth Peer Education
  Recognizing the vulnerability of young people, the Municipality trains youth peer educators in each of the City of Manzini’s 12 municipal wards. The peer educators deliver health education and encourage safer practices amongst their peers.
• Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT)
  Through the Community Volunteers Programme, the Municipality offers door-to-door services, providing information and referrals to prevent the transmission of HIV from mother to child, ensuring a healthier future for newborn babies.
• Childcare Services at Social Centres
  The Municipality provides social and health support services to Orphaned Vulnerable Children in eight social centres around the city. The support services includes the provision of at least one meal a day to over 1,500 children and free preschool education for children aged 3-6 years. The current enrollment for the preschool programme is recorded at 247 children.

…MUNICIPALITY STRENGTHENS HIV RESPONSE COORDINATION

The HIV response is reinforced by the Municipal HIV Team, which coordinates with civil society organisations to address HIV-related issues. The MHT meets on a quarterly basis to assess progress on HIV/AIDS Response Initiatives implemented by the different institutions providing HIV/AIDS Services in the city.

…ALIGNING WITH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

The Municipality’s HIV response aligns with the global sustainability agenda guide by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. Specifically, the Municipality’s efforts contribute to;

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by prioritising quality healthcare and HIV services.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality, by addressing the disproportionate impact of HIV on women and girls through targeted programmes.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequality, by ensuring equal access to HIV services for marginalised groups.

…A CITY UNITED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV

In the City of Manzini, the fight against HIV and AIDS is a shared responsibility. The Municipality actively engages with stakeholders such as employers, educators and healthcare workers to expand HIV knowledge and prevention strategies. Even internally, awareness sessions are held with municipal employees, wherein they learn about prevention methods such as PrEP; demonstrating a collective commitment to spreading awareness and supporting a healthy community.

…LOOKING AHEAD: COMMITMENT TO AN HIV-FREE FUTURE

As we observe World AIDS Day 2024, it is clear that the battle against HIV and AIDS is not only about treatment but also about prevention, awareness and dismantling societal barriers that perpetuate stigma. In the City of Manzini, the road ahead is guided by principles of equity, inclusion and the right of every individual to live a healthy, fulfilling life. The Municipality is dedicated to continuing its comprehensive response to HIV and AIDS, ensuring that no one is left behind.

…MESSAGE FOR 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

As the country joins the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign, the Municipality wishes to state that she also stands in solidarity with all survivors of GBV. As a Municipality we commend their courage and resilience in the face of violence; and honour their journey towards healing and empowerment. The campaign serves as a reminder that GBV has no place in the City of Manzini and the Kingdom of Eswatini at large. The Municipality  urges all residents, businesses and other stakeholders to join in the fight against GBV by challenging harmful stereotypes, promoting respect and creating a safe, supportive environment for all. Together, we can break the silence, raise awareness and build a stronger, more united community.

…MANZINI CHRISTMAS CAROLS ON 14^th DECEMBER. YOU ARE INVITED

The Municipal Council of Manzini invites all citizens of the City of Manzini to kick-off the festive season at the annual Christmas Carols and Candle Lighting event to be held on the 14^th December, at Louw Street. The event will be preceded by the inner-city flea market. Visitors to the flea market will get an opportunity to explore a variety of local goods, crafts and festive treats before the market transitions into the vibrant Night Market which will be characterized by food, music and holiday cheer. The evening will culminate in the Christmas Carols and Candle Lighting ceremony wherein attendees will unite in song and light to celebrate the festive season. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, young and old, share in the spirit of the season and spread joy. The Municipality encourages citizens to bring their family and friends to participate in this memorable celebration. Let us celebrate together with joy and unity. For more information, the Municipality may be contacted on its official WhatsApp line (7808 2333/7908 2333) or by email at info@manzinicity.co.sz.