FREE STATE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ON AIDS HAS A HUGE TASK TO FULFILL

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae

By: Staff Reporter

The Free State Provincial Council on AIDS (PCA), chaired by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and co-chaired by Simphiwe Mokoena, convened its ordinary meeting at OR Tambo House in Bloemfontein on Wednesday 29, bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen the province’s response to HIV/AIDS, TB, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).

The PCA serves as the provincial arm of the South African National AIDS Council and is responsible for the sustainable planning, coordination, and management of all HIV/AIDS-related matters, including TB and STIs.

Premier Letsoha-Mathae emphasized the importance of continuous education within communities about HIV/AIDS, TB, STIs, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

“We must be a source of information to our people. It is incumbent on all of us to be messengers of this important information on HIV, safe sex, treatment, and all available preventative measures to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS,” said Premier Letsoha-Mathae.

She stressed the need to adequately resource the PCA Secretariat to ensure efficiency and increased impact across the province", said MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae.

She added, “Steering the PCA to greater heights will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders. We must have a functional structure that promotes cooperation and coordination across the board”.

The meeting recognized the strain placed on the province by limited resources dedicated to the fight against HIV, TB, and STIs; a challenge that must be tackled to improve outcomes.

Co-Chairperson Simphiwe Mokoena presented latest statistics revealing that over 20,600 people in the Free State who have tested positive for HIV are not yet on treatment.

Premier Letsoha-Mathae concluded by underscoring the importance of ward committees in driving community level engagement.

“During community meetings, councilors must not only focus on employment and economic development but also address social matters. The fight against HIV and AIDS must feature prominently. These conversations are essential in educating our people and eliminating stigma,” said Letsoha-Mathae.