Date: 30/06/2003
Source: The Presidency
Title: J Zuma: Khomanani Health Worker Awards ceremony


ADDRESS BY DEPUTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA AT THE KHOMANANI HEALTH WORKER AWARDS CEREMONY, Presidential Guest House, Pretoria, 30 June 2003

The Minister of Health
Our distinguished health care providers,
Members of SANAC,
Ladies and gentlemen:

It is an honour and pleasure to be part of such an important ceremony, where we acknowledge the hard work and selflessness of personnel in the public health system.

We are proud of the fact that this is the first award ceremony that acknowledges the service excellence of health workers around the country with regard to HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections as well as tuberculosis.

For many people in our communities, doctors, nurses and other caregivers are not only providers of medical treatment, they are also counsellors, role models and leaders.

The HIV, AIDS and TB epidemic is placing increasing strain on the health system, and on the men and women who work in health institutions. Health workers are increasingly confronted with the brunt of the AIDS epidemic, as they are the first point of entry when a person has been diagnosed with HIV.

They are also likely to be the last when they take care of that same person when he or she is dying of AIDS. Health workers will be burdened sometimes beyond their training abilities, as they will be required to deal with the epidemic. In this environment, it is possible for health workers to become demoralised.

Despite this challenge, there are many health workers in our communities who are playing a leading role in reducing the impact of this epidemic, and the associated problems of TB and sexually transmitted infections.

Health workers are vital players in the prevention of HIV and AIDS. They can contribute in preventing stigma and promoting openness toward people living with HIV and AIDS, but also need to provide a supportive and empathetic environment to these individuals when they require medical care.

I strongly believe that a positive health worker response is essential in all of these areas if South Africa is to meet the challenge of HIV, AIDS and TB.

South Africa tonight displays appreciation to the many health care providers for the work that they do, often under difficult circumstances. We also remember those who could not be with us here this evening.

At a time when we are mobilising a country response to HIV and AIDS, we would like to promote and highlight the many good examples of excellence among health workers.

As government we have emphasised service excellence, hence the Batho Pele campaign, which emphasises putting people first and good client care. We therefore congratulate the finalists and winners this evening because they embody these important principles.

They put the needs of their patients before those of their own, and in this way, are able to provide service delivery of a high and caring standard. We are all very proud of you. You are an excellent example of how South Africans must conduct themselves when performing their tasks.

This is a clear demonstration of patriotism, nation building and commitment to the moral regeneration and good values in our country. This needs to be acknowledged, highlighted and encouraged.

Congratulations and keep up the good work.

I thank you all.

Enquiries: Zanele Mngadi on 0827819332
Issued by The Presidency
30 June 2003