ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHESTERVILLE RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM TB AND HIV AWARENESS OUTREACH
EThekwini Municipality, through its Health Department, hosted a successful TB and HIV Awareness Outreach at Mandene Sportsground in Chesterville, Ward 101, on 05 June 2026.
The outreach brought together residents, community stakeholders, government departments, and various partners to promote health education, encourage early detection and treatment of TB and HIV, and improve access to essential services.
Chairperson of the Community Services Committee, Councillor Zama Sokhabase, accompanied by Ward 101 Councillor Simphiwe Khanyile, senior Municipal officials, and various stakeholders who engaged with residents on matters relating to health, wellness, and community development.
Community members were provided with a range of free services, including health screenings, information, education and communication material, mobile clinic services, and services from the Department of Home Affairs.
As part of the outreach, food parcels were distributed to vulnerable families affected by TB and HIV-related challenges. The donation sought to provide immediate relief to households experiencing hardship while demonstrating the Municipality’s commitment to supporting families impacted by the two diseases.
In addition, gardening tools were donated to members of the community to encourage household and community food production. The initiative aims to promote food security, alleviate poverty, and empower residents to become more self-sufficient through sustainable food gardening practices.
Sokhabase highlighted recent advances in the fight against HIV, including the introduction of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention medication that has shown promising results in reducing new HIV infections.
“The fight against TB and HIV extends beyond healthcare services alone. We must also address the social and economic challenges that many affected families face.
Through the distribution of food parcels and gardening tools, we are helping households meet their immediate needs while equipping them with resources that can contribute to long-term food security and sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
She added that scientific advancements such as Lenacapavir offer renewed hope in the fight against HIV.
“While prevention, testing, and treatment remain critical, innovations such as Lenacapavir have the potential to strengthen our efforts to reduce new infections and improve health outcomes. However, community members must continue to know their status, seek treatment early, and make use of the healthcare services available to them,” she said.
The outreach forms part of the Municipality’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community health, reducing the impact of communicable diseases, and supporting programmes that contribute to poverty alleviation, food security, and sustainable livelihoods across eThekwini.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality's Marketing and Communications Directorate
