Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - April 30, 2007

THERE is a national spirit of unity and determination to work together to overcome HIV/Aids. Reaching this stage has not been easy, but we are now ready to all pull in the same direction.

This does not necessarily mean that we all agree. Resources are limited and there are difficult decisions to make.

There is a determination to understand each other's positions and deliberate on the issues until we reach consensus on the way forward. The threat to the lives of people in all walks of life is just too great to do otherwise.

We need to respond to the disease effectively because as a healthy nation we can meet our development goals.

As Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said at the National Strategic Plan conference recently, the time for each person, institution, organisation, community and family to take a lead in overcoming HIV/Aids is now. Each can find their role in overcoming Aids. A national effort is needed. The Sunday Times has found its role with its Everyone Knows Someone campaign, and now with Each One Reach Five.

The stigma attached to HIV/Aids makes people reluctant to be tested. If we all get tested, we can contribute to overcoming the stigma.

We can then see Aids for what it is - another deadly disease for which we need support and care. Together we can beat the hopelessness and resignation in our communities.

Everyone is affected by HIV. The fight against it requires decisive leadership from leaders at all levels, who should lead by example in seeking public voluntary counselling and testing.

Like most readers, I too have family who have been infected and affected by HIV/Aids. My cousin Thandeka, who tested positive in December 2004, was too scared to disclose her status, fearing a backlash in her community.

She was not referred to her local HIV clinic, and was weak and wasted. She began antiretroviral therapy but, without proper monitoring and counseling, she stopped the treatment. Sadly, Thandeka died in January 2005. Because of stigma we were not able to care for and support her like we should.

Nelson Mandela has said: "We need to break the silence, banish stigma and discrimination, and ensure total inclusiveness within the struggle against Aids ... Together we can make a difference."

To gain a true picture of HIV prevalence, we must test at least 25 million people. We will then know the size of the problem and can support those who test negative to remain negative and support and care for those who are HIV-positive. I encourage you to support this Sunday Times initiative.

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