| URL: http://www.engineeringnews.co.za | |
| Policy, Law, Economics and Politics - Deepening Democracy through Access to Information | This privately-owned website is operated and maintained by Creamer Media |
 |
 |
|
Polity
Published: 31 Aug 2004
|
|
| Molusi: HIV/AIDS & STI prevention advocacy campaign (31/08/2004) | |
| Date: 31/08/2004 Source: Northern Cape Provincial Government Title: K Molusi: HIV/AIDS & STI prevention advocacy campaign NORTHERN CAPE MEC FOR HEALTH, MR KAGISHO DAVID MOLUSI ADDRESSES THE PUBLIC ON THE HIV, AIDS AND STI PREVENTION ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN, Craven Street, Taxi Rank, Kimberley, 31 August 2004 HIV and AIDS continue to pose a serious challenge to us as a nation, particularly to the young people. It is a fact that, there is currently no cure for AIDS. The prevention of new HIV infections and the spread of HIV remains the cornerstone in the fight against this disease. Thus the Department of Health advocates the message of: * Abstain, * Be faithful, and * Condomise. It is important that everyone remember to prevent the spread of HIV to those uninfected, and to sustain the immune systems of HIV-positive people for as long as possible. The public health system in South Africa has made great strides. The ANC-led Government has extensive programmes to educate people on awareness about HIV infection and AIDS, including how to live healthy lifestyles to prevent the spread of the virus. This Government has also pioneered in advocating poverty reduction and promoting good nutrition to boost the immune systems of people living with HIV and AIDS, and other debilitating diseases. In June, the National Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang launched the newly-branded public sector condom, called the Choice condom. She said these condoms are among the best in the world. Choice-brand condoms are compliance tested in accordance with the most stringent World Health Organisation and National Department of Health standards, and specifications set by the SABS. In July, the Premier of the Northern Cape, Ms Dipuo Peters launched the Anti-Retroviral Treatment Programme in the Northern Cape. Running for just over one month now in the Northern Cape, the Anti-Retroviral Programme has just over 500 patients on, and patients are representative of all the districts in the province. In giving you a synopsis of the Comprehensive Treatment, Care and Management Plan of HIV and AIDS, let me point out that the Plan comprises of testing programmes to diagnose HIV infection, the measuring of disease progression, the ongoing treatment of opportunistic infections associated with HIV, and Anti-Retroviral Treatment to obstruct the progression to AIDS. I would like to see the youth sending out the message of prevention, and not allowing this disease to spread any further. We need to encourage young people to abstain as long as possible, to be faithful to one partner and to use a condom when they become sexually active. Today, the Department of Health is bringing the message to the masses. We are saying, 'Prevention is better than cure'. By coming out to the taxi rank, we are also stretching our programmes as we have branded some of the taxis throughout the Northern Cape, with the message that says, 'Know your HIV status. Get tested.' We further inform the general public, through this means of taxi-branding, that Government has now availed Anti-Retroviral Treatment. In marking this event as a conclusion to the Women's Month programme for the Department of Health in the Northern Cape, I further appeal to men to champion the prevention of HIV, AIDS and STIs. As we distribute the Choice condoms today at the taxi industry, we reiterate the Choice condom slogan in support of safe sex, which says, 'no choice, no play'. This is in line with the Khomanani Youth Campaign slogan, which says: 'It is our time, our choice, our future'. The Department of Health has organised exhibition stalls at various healthcare centres throughout the Northern Cape, where information regarding HIV, AIDS and STIs will be disseminated. Furthermore, we also support the utilisation of the female condom - which is freely available at selective health care centres throughout the province. In conclusion, I would like to thank the taxi industry, particularly the Northern Cape Taxi Council, for their partnership in this regard. With one vision, we can achieve more. I also extend my gratitude to the health professionals and the volunteers, as well as our non-governmental organisations, who carry out or support the Comprehensive Treatment, Care and Management Plan of HIV and AIDS, to lessen the plight we are faced with daily. Enquiries: Dineo Khechane Media and Parliamentary Officer Cell: 083 456 6163 Issued by: Department of Health, Northern Cape Provincial Government 31 August 2004 |
|