By Nokuzola Thwala | 2024-11-30

Chanting and singing along the road by Saim High School drum majorettes was the order of the day for approximately two kilometres from Mahwalala Zone 3 to the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS).

BERCS and partners in and around the city of Mbabane gathered for the commemoration of the 2024 World AIDS Day at Mahwalala Red Cross Clinic, under this year’s theme ‘Take the right path’.

Different people attended the World AIDS Day commemoration event at Mahwalala, including some community members, volunteers of the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society, partners from Women Unlimited, AMICAAL and expected and lactating teens who are supported by AMICAAL.

The 2km walk culminated at the Mahwalala Red Cross Clinic where guests were welcomed by Thulani Simelane, on behalf of the  Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society Secretary General Danger Nhlabatsi.

The SG appreciated  the country’s milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“We have won some bettles but that does not mean we must rest. In fact, we need to be more vigilant.  

Hence we are here today,” remarked Simelane.
National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA) Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Njabu Dlamini expressed the organisation’s appreciation for the partnership shared between itself and the Red Cross.

He explained the importance of commemorating this day, saying that it is in support of all people who have been infected with HIV/ AIDS; living or posted on.

Dlamini also elucidated the significance of lighting the candle on this day, that it signifies a renewed commitment to the fight against HIV by promoting inclusion of people living with HIV in our communities and in the work and education spaces.  

He also explained that a recent study shows that the knowledge on HIV/ AIDS among young people between the ages of 15 and 29 is diminishing, thus it is events like these, as well as other initiatives that help make people aware of HIV and perhaps prompt them to seek more information to make better decisions.

“We are happy to be part of this event because it is evidence that our partnership with the Red Cross is still strong and even more so in the fight against HIV in the country.

“We are one. Showing our loved ones and community members support in this manner reminds them that they are not alone and that there is hope,” he said.

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