Deputy President Jacob Zuma on Saturday warned that knowledge of Aids could lead to people becoming complacent and expecting infection.
Speaking at a function in Randfontein marking the sixth anniversary of the launch of the Partnership against Aids, Zuma said there is a danger that people will take Aids as a ”given”.
”We have come face to face with the epidemic … we are steadily moving away from the era of doubt, fear, denial and ignorance.
”However, there is a danger that this first-hand knowledge of the disease may lead to complacency and to people taking Aids for granted … as something that will happen at some time or another in their lives.”
He warned people to remain as vigilant as ever against Aids.
”We should remain as vigilant and as determined to stop the spread of HIV and Aids as we were when we did not know a single person who had succumbed to the disease.”
Zuma said the message of ”abstain, be faithful or use a condom” remains important.
He added that the need to destroy the stigma associated with Aids remains.
”If people are scared to disclose their HIV status, they cannot seek medical help or obtain emotional support. Let us recommit to promoting positive attitudes towards those living with the virus.”
Six years ago, the Partnership against Aids saw representatives from business, labour, media, NGOs and the entertainment industry pledge to work together against the virus. — Sapa
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