UNAIDS praises SA's commitment to tackling HIV, TB

Erasmus Morah was speaking during the opening of the Eighth South African AIDS Conference at the Durban ICC.

Morah says South Africans need to be proud of government interventions to combat the spread of the virus.

"Let me say that we in the UNAIDS believe that government leadership and commitment of this country is second to none when it comes to HIV and TB. We want to say this country is committed to achieving the 90-90-90 strategy which means 90% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 90% of those who are positive being on treatment and 90% of those who are on treatment being virally suppressed," he said. 

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However, Morah says the cost of treatment is becoming a huge concern for leaders.

Meanwhile, government has been given six months to end violence against women as well as activating the youth sector of the SA National Aids Council. 

The demands from the country's youth were made at the conference - where young South Africans were given the chance to explain to delegates how HIV has affected their lives. 

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Speaking on behalf of 4000 young people who met over the weekend, Andile Mtombeni says they want to be actively involved. 

"Young people are calling for the implementation of free education - free education for the economically vulnerable as we understand that an HIV status and a financial status is interlinked. Support us in implementing women empowerment programs - programs that include men so they can actively participate in discussions on gender and the fight against patriarchy," she said.