Motsoaledi reaffirms goal to end HIV/AIDS as public health threat by 2030

JOHANNESBURG - Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the department intends to eliminate HIV and Aids as a public threat by 2030.

On Tuesday, the Health Department launched its first 1.1 million campaign that focuses on helping people not on the treatment to stay on treatment.

The minister emphasises the virus should not be a norm in society but something that can be removed.

The Health Department and various organisations are gathered at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

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There are a number of tents set up outside of the venue with information about the virus.

The minister reminded people they could lead a normal life while taking antiretrovirals.

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"We don't want that because that should not be, excuse me, they must know that we must eliminate it. We may not eradicate it, but our aim is to eliminate it as a public health threat by 2030."

Motsoaledi adds the department aims to reach 1.1 million people by the end of the year.