PCA CONTINUES TO MAKE STRIDES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS.

PCA Chair, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae

By: Staff Reporter

Chairperson of the Provincial Council on AIDS (PCA), and Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, today (Thurs), convened the ordinary meeting of the Council on AIDS at OR Tambo House in Bloemfontein.

The purpose of the meeting was to take inventory of the decisions of the previous meeting and to assess progress in the implementation of deliverables.

Premier emphasized the importance of this Council in relation to the work of the province in ending HIV/AIDS and raising awareness about TB and STIs.

"We are on the right track, but more still need to be done", said Premier Letsoha-Mathae.

She added that whilst appreciating the attendance of civil society organisations, she also expressed her displeasure at the lack of attendance by key political leadership and administrative heads.

The PCA continues to make strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

According to the Premier, this is evident in the province’s implementation of the 95-95-95 strategy, where the Free State ranks second only to KwaZulu-Natal.

She associates this progress with strong collaborative efforts by all stakeholders involved in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

“We have done relatively well overall. Districts have performed strongly, with the Xhariep District leading the way, attaining a 96/94/84 outcome. We are indebted to everyone who has played a part in helping us achieve this incredible milestone”, said Letsoha-Mathae.

The meeting received comprehensive reports on the work of the PCA.

Robust deliberations focused on prevailing budget constraints and the urgent need for provincial government departments to collaborate more effectively in strengthening the work of the PCA.