Speech by the Minister of Health at the official opening of the National Youth Health Indaba 2007, Kimberly, Northern Cape

Programme Director
Honourable Premier
My colleague, MEC for Health
Officials from various government departments
Youth Ambassadors, Youth Commission
Representatives of Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community-Based Organisation and Faith Based Organisations
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

It gives me a great pleasure and honour to officially open the 2nd National Youth Health Indaba 2007 that aims at deepening the participation of our young people in the development of their own lives and their communities.

The 2nd National Youth Health Indaba forms part of the country's June month activities planned to commemorate the 31st Anniversary of the Soweto Students Uprisings of June 16, 1976 which was a major turning point in our struggle against apartheid.

The Theme for this year's youth development month is: "Deepening Youth Participation in Development through Service." The theme is aimed at encouraging young people to actively participate in the reconstruction and development of their own communities. It also encourages NGOs, the private sector and government departments to renew their commitment and support in accelerating service delivery to meet the needs of young people.

Last year, we convened the first Indaba in Mpumalanga to identify the challenges facing young people in the country. A Declaration was made by the National Youth Health Indaba to fully participate in all the activities affecting their lives and to support government driven initiatives and help develop new intervention strategies.

The second National Youth Health Indaba should therefore review the progress made on in the implementation of the 2006 Youth Health Indaba Declaration. The Indaba should also afford young people an opportunity to engage with the key role players on Youth Development Programmes. It should strengthen collaboration with all government departments, NGOs and private sector on programmes aimed at improving the quality of life of young people.

The Department of Health is making progress in promoting youth empowerment and development in line with the Youth Declaration 2006. Of the 1 279 people currently employed at the national Department of Health, 731 of them are young people between ages of 19-35 years. This means that more than 57% of the full-time staff at the national Department of Health is made up of young people. In addition, we have 44 interns receiving stipends of R2 080 per month.

A three-year Clinical Associate Programme will commence next year, targeting school leavers who matriculated with Maths and Biology, and bursaries will be offered to those who qualify.

Young people also continue to participate in the delivery of health services as community health workers and volunteers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank in particular those who came to our facilities to assist during the period of public service workers' strike. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

With regard to communication challenges raised in the Declaration, we have re-launched the Government HIV and AIDS communication brand, Khomanani - which means Caring Together. The campaign has been structured in a manner that supports our comprehensive approach to the major challenge of HIV and AIDS.

The tender for this communication campaign valued at R190 million over two years has specific components dealing with the following focus areas:

* accelerated HIV and AIDS prevention
* care, treatment and support
* nutrition and HIV and AIDS
* health promotion
* tuberculosis (TB) and HIV.

Through this tender, we hope to intensify the communication campaign that will encourage positive sexual behaviour to prevent new HIV infections and mobilise access to care and support services for those who are infected and affected.

I am happy to announce that the 2006 antenatal survey results show a statistically significant decrease in the prevalence of HIV amongst pregnant women who use public health facilities. This is mainly as a result of our continued focus on prevention as the mainstay of our response to combat HIV and lead to an HIV free society.

The report indicates that this statistically significant decline is mainly amongst people under the age of 20 years followed by those between 20 and 24. The decline in the under 20 year age from 15,9 % in 2005 to 13,7% in 2006 particularly implies a possible reduction in new infections (incidence) in the population.

I would therefore like to thank young people for responding to the messages of prevention. I would like to encourage you to continue taking care of your health. We should continue to work together to address many social challenges affecting young people.

We have to deal with the challenge of alcohol and substance abuse. We have to strengthen support programmes for young people living with disability and strengthen our resolve to create a non-sexist society. These are all issues we raised in the Declaration which I believe will remain relevant to us over time.

Programme Director, a number of build up activities has taken place from 18 to 24 June in all the Districts in this Province (Northern Cape) in preparation for this Youth Health Indaba. A correctional service centre was visited as part of the Youth Indaba Awareness campaign to have dialogue with youth in prison on issues affecting them.

I have also been informed that the national Department of Health Soccer and Netball teams were also part of the build up activities. The two teams played against the Khoi and San communities, and also donated soccer and netball kits.

Today is dedicated to the Department of Health, whereby health issues and services available for young people will be discussed. I hope by the end of the day, all the issues relating to health services for young people will be discussed and we are looking forward to your recommendations.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all partners and sponsors of this event for their generous support, commitment and dedication to make this Youth health Indaba a success.

I hope and trust that this National Youth Health Indaba will attain its objectives. Let's all work together to protect the future of our young people.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Health
25 June 2007