Ms Raphiri, HIV Coordinator, School of Oral Health Sciences

Organised on World AIDS Day (WAD) by Dr Khanya Makwakwa, the Candle Lighting Ceremony had dual purposes – to remember all the health care professionals who succumbed to AIDS and COVID 19; and also to link up this locally organised ceremony with the campaign, by the World Health Organisations (WHO), expressed as Sustainable Development Goals, to eradicate all communicable diseases by 2030.

Dr Makwakwa, from the school of oral health sciences, highlighted that the 2020 WAD theme “We are in this together” sought to inspire communities to join hands in solidarity with those who are infected, affected and living with COVID 19 and HIV/AIDS. She also added that the memory of all the health care professionals who have died in the line of duty, should be kept alive and never be forgotten.

Dr Khanya Makwakwa, School of Oral Health Sciences

Held mainly as a virtual event, in line with the COVID 19 social distancing regulations, the ceremony was addressed by several speakers ranging from Ms Raphiri, who is the school of oral health sciences HIV coordinator who spoke about the programme she is championing to raise awareness about AIDS and making sure that AIDS stays under the spotlight, amidst COVID 19 distraction.

By Maditsi Matlala