Like the rest of the world, MUT recognises 1 Dember as the World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day is an international event where global communities join hands in observing a moment to renew commitment to awareness, compassion, and collective action in confronting HIV/AIDS. On 2 December 2025, the University’s Clinic staff met at the Anniversary Lane underneath the huge AIDS ribbon, and lit candles to remind everyone that the problem still exists, and that there is still no cure for AIDS. Sister Bongiwe Sithole, Health Promoter at the Clinic, said “1 December is a call to reinforce accurate knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention, testing and treatment; support the rights and dignity of people living with HIV; and encourage testing and access to care, and reduce stigma and misinformation”. Their message is still that people should use protection; they must take all the precautions necessary to limit the spread of virus. “Our message is that abstinence is still the key. If you cannot abstain, please use protection and the preventative measures. Be faithful to your partner,” said Sister Sithole. She further reiterated that even with significant advances in treatment and prevention, the numbers are a sad reminder that HIV remains a major public health challenge worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, at the end of 2024 an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV. In the same year, about 1.3 million new HIV infections occurred worldwide. In South Africa, as of 2025, it is estimated that 8.15 million people are living with HIV, which is roughly 12.9% of the total population, according to Statistics South Africa.