Every year on the 1st of December, the world marks World AIDS Day (WAD), where people around the world unite in the fight against HIV and show their support for those affected by the virus. According to the latest data from the Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa has the highest number of people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the world. It is estimated that 7.9 million South Africans are HIV positive. On a positive note, 62% of them are receiving life-saving anti-retroviral treatment (HSRC, 2017).

The national theme for WAD 2018 is “Cheka Impilo. Know Your Status”. The theme places the responsibility on everyone to test and know their HIV status. In our sector, learners, educators and officials are urged to play an active part to test for HIV and to screen for TB and other health conditions. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) will use the 2018 theme to guide activities beyond the 2018 DBE World AIDS Day Commemoration.

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