Date: 01/12/2005
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government
Title: Moloto: World AIDS Day
Speaker’s notes for Limpopo Premier, Mr Sello Moloto, during national World AIDS Day celebrations at Ntoampe High School, Sekhukhune District
Programme director
Executive Mayor and Mayors
Deputy Minister of Social Development
Honourable Dr Jean Benjamin
MEC for Health and other MECs
Health officials and workers
Representatives of non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) and Hospices
People living with HIV and AIDS
Traditional leaders
Traditional healers
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
I greet you all!
On behalf of government and the people of our Province, we wish to thank every one for honouring this most important day in the calendar of humanity. World AIDS Day is a special day on which the entire world population converges to reflect on the achievements and challenges facing humanity in the fight against HIV and AIDS pandemic. Worlds AIDS Day also takes place at a time when the people of our country are united in their action to challenge the ongoing violence against the abuse of women and children. In recent times our country has seen worst acts of sexual violence perpetuated against women and children. As government, we therefore do not doubt the obvious link between these acts of sexual violence in our society and the high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, especially amongst women and children.
Programme director
Each one of us present here today is already in some way or the other affected by HIV and AIDS. We have seen people living with HIV and AIDS and in some cases have lost members of our own families or close friends to the disease. Our government and the private sector are also feeling the impact of the pandemic through the unprecedented loss of skilled human resources and capital.
Though some reports have shown a level of stability in terms of new infections, there is no doubt that HIV and AIDS epidemic has reached critical proportions in our country. HIV and AIDS are being transported into every corner of our society and into every community. The prevalence rate of HIV and AIDS in Limpopo at the moment is at 19.3% lower compared to the national rate of 29.5%. Whilst our prevalence rate is lower in contrast to other Provinces, there are, however, strong indications that infection rates are on the increase. With exception of Sekhukhune district, which has seen a slight drop of 13.4% from the previous 14.1%, all the other districts have registered increased figures.
Statistics are showing that the age group of between 25 to 29 years is proving to be the one most susceptible to new infections. We know that these are mainly young people who are at tertiary institutions and in the workforce. It is a worrying fact to face the reality that the loss of this young people would certainly have a negative effect on the economic stability of our country. Our message to the youth is that, be responsible and think about your future. You therefore must protect yourselves and your loved ones by abstaining from sexual activities; by being faithful to your partner and by always using a condom.
There is also a need for our youth and society in general to change our social behaviour and our negative lifestyles. It is a proven fact that irresponsible lifestyle and behaviour contribute to sexual recklessness, which leads to one acquiring HIV virus. Whilst researchers and scientists continue to work hard to find a cure for the disease, we wish to urge our people to exercise greater care and responsibility as individuals towards the pandemic.
Programme director
As government we continue to do everything possible to fight the disease. We have established the Provincial HIV/AIDS Council and various district councils to guide our strategy and action in the fight against the pandemic. We are also hastening efforts to increase the number of accredited sites for the continuous roll-out of the comprehensive management and treatment plan. You may be aware that in 2004 our province started providing antiretroviral drugs in eight sites. To date we are proud that we have 28 hospital sites that are accredited to provide treatment to those who need it.
We have further prioritised the provision of nutritional supplements for patients attending our wellness clinics and for those on treatment. In addition we have taken steps to ensure that there is continuous provision of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMCT) and voluntary counselling of pregnant women.
In our effort to take care of people living with the disease, the province has established over 360 community/home-based care sites, which have a total of 90 000 beneficiaries. Our care givers are available on site to assist those who might be terminally ill.
Government’s HIV and AIDS communications campaign, Khomanani, is targeting men to positively change their behaviours as husbands and fathers in the family. Government is convinced that the adherence of men to the prevention message is important, given that many women, particularly in the rural areas such as ours, are dependent on them economically and socially.
While we might have made significant strides in combating the disease we also have challenges that must be confronted head on. This will include the question of combating stigma that is attached to people who are diagnosed with HIV and AIDS. Another challenge relates to the question of denial on the part of those who are diagnosed as having the virus. All of us gathered here are challenged to fight stigma and also ensure that we encourage those infected to live healthy and safe lifestyles.
Programme director
Let us break the silence and start to talk openly about HIV and AIDS and the impact it has on our society. As part of living positively, those of us who are infected with HIV and AIDS must be confident to tell others about our experiences. This will help to dispel the myths and to discourage discrimination in our communities and in the broader society.
The vicious cycle of HIV and AIDS will not be broken unless there is a radical change in our attitudes, in our sexual behaviour and in our respect for other people. As a nation and as individuals we must know that the future is in our hands. Our attitudes and our behaviour will determine whether the disease will continue or decline.
As we join hands in a partnership against HIV and AIDS we must believe in our capacity to succeed in our struggle and to stop the spread of this disease. All of us, together, must redouble our efforts to spread the message of prevention and of lifestyle change.
Let us use this occasion to commit ourselves again to action to combat the disease.
Let us create a truly caring society and a powerful partnership for health and prosperity that will enable the people of Limpopo to become active and productive participants in their own development. We must rise and unite with passion to care for those infected and affected with HIV and AIDS.
I thank you.
Issued by: Office of Premier, Limpopo Provincial Government
1 December 2005
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government
Title: Moloto: World AIDS Day
Speaker’s notes for Limpopo Premier, Mr Sello Moloto, during national World AIDS Day celebrations at Ntoampe High School, Sekhukhune District
Programme director
Executive Mayor and Mayors
Deputy Minister of Social Development
Honourable Dr Jean Benjamin
MEC for Health and other MECs
Health officials and workers
Representatives of non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) and Hospices
People living with HIV and AIDS
Traditional leaders
Traditional healers
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
I greet you all!
On behalf of government and the people of our Province, we wish to thank every one for honouring this most important day in the calendar of humanity. World AIDS Day is a special day on which the entire world population converges to reflect on the achievements and challenges facing humanity in the fight against HIV and AIDS pandemic. Worlds AIDS Day also takes place at a time when the people of our country are united in their action to challenge the ongoing violence against the abuse of women and children. In recent times our country has seen worst acts of sexual violence perpetuated against women and children. As government, we therefore do not doubt the obvious link between these acts of sexual violence in our society and the high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, especially amongst women and children.
Programme director
Each one of us present here today is already in some way or the other affected by HIV and AIDS. We have seen people living with HIV and AIDS and in some cases have lost members of our own families or close friends to the disease. Our government and the private sector are also feeling the impact of the pandemic through the unprecedented loss of skilled human resources and capital.
Though some reports have shown a level of stability in terms of new infections, there is no doubt that HIV and AIDS epidemic has reached critical proportions in our country. HIV and AIDS are being transported into every corner of our society and into every community. The prevalence rate of HIV and AIDS in Limpopo at the moment is at 19.3% lower compared to the national rate of 29.5%. Whilst our prevalence rate is lower in contrast to other Provinces, there are, however, strong indications that infection rates are on the increase. With exception of Sekhukhune district, which has seen a slight drop of 13.4% from the previous 14.1%, all the other districts have registered increased figures.
Statistics are showing that the age group of between 25 to 29 years is proving to be the one most susceptible to new infections. We know that these are mainly young people who are at tertiary institutions and in the workforce. It is a worrying fact to face the reality that the loss of this young people would certainly have a negative effect on the economic stability of our country. Our message to the youth is that, be responsible and think about your future. You therefore must protect yourselves and your loved ones by abstaining from sexual activities; by being faithful to your partner and by always using a condom.
There is also a need for our youth and society in general to change our social behaviour and our negative lifestyles. It is a proven fact that irresponsible lifestyle and behaviour contribute to sexual recklessness, which leads to one acquiring HIV virus. Whilst researchers and scientists continue to work hard to find a cure for the disease, we wish to urge our people to exercise greater care and responsibility as individuals towards the pandemic.
Programme director
As government we continue to do everything possible to fight the disease. We have established the Provincial HIV/AIDS Council and various district councils to guide our strategy and action in the fight against the pandemic. We are also hastening efforts to increase the number of accredited sites for the continuous roll-out of the comprehensive management and treatment plan. You may be aware that in 2004 our province started providing antiretroviral drugs in eight sites. To date we are proud that we have 28 hospital sites that are accredited to provide treatment to those who need it.
We have further prioritised the provision of nutritional supplements for patients attending our wellness clinics and for those on treatment. In addition we have taken steps to ensure that there is continuous provision of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMCT) and voluntary counselling of pregnant women.
In our effort to take care of people living with the disease, the province has established over 360 community/home-based care sites, which have a total of 90 000 beneficiaries. Our care givers are available on site to assist those who might be terminally ill.
Government’s HIV and AIDS communications campaign, Khomanani, is targeting men to positively change their behaviours as husbands and fathers in the family. Government is convinced that the adherence of men to the prevention message is important, given that many women, particularly in the rural areas such as ours, are dependent on them economically and socially.
While we might have made significant strides in combating the disease we also have challenges that must be confronted head on. This will include the question of combating stigma that is attached to people who are diagnosed with HIV and AIDS. Another challenge relates to the question of denial on the part of those who are diagnosed as having the virus. All of us gathered here are challenged to fight stigma and also ensure that we encourage those infected to live healthy and safe lifestyles.
Programme director
Let us break the silence and start to talk openly about HIV and AIDS and the impact it has on our society. As part of living positively, those of us who are infected with HIV and AIDS must be confident to tell others about our experiences. This will help to dispel the myths and to discourage discrimination in our communities and in the broader society.
The vicious cycle of HIV and AIDS will not be broken unless there is a radical change in our attitudes, in our sexual behaviour and in our respect for other people. As a nation and as individuals we must know that the future is in our hands. Our attitudes and our behaviour will determine whether the disease will continue or decline.
As we join hands in a partnership against HIV and AIDS we must believe in our capacity to succeed in our struggle and to stop the spread of this disease. All of us, together, must redouble our efforts to spread the message of prevention and of lifestyle change.
Let us use this occasion to commit ourselves again to action to combat the disease.
Let us create a truly caring society and a powerful partnership for health and prosperity that will enable the people of Limpopo to become active and productive participants in their own development. We must rise and unite with passion to care for those infected and affected with HIV and AIDS.
I thank you.
Issued by: Office of Premier, Limpopo Provincial Government
1 December 2005
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