Issued by: Department of Health
PRETORIA - The Department of Health has made a decision regarding the position of Director: HIV/AIDS and STDs. It was a difficult decision to make, in view of the large number of applications and the extensive screening process. The post was advertised during August 1996 and re-advertised in September. A total of 133 applications were received (69 and 64 applications respectively).
The successful candidate is Ms Rose Smart who will be appointed on a two year contract basis as the director of the HIV/AIDS and STD programme.
She is presently working on a contractual basis in the Directorate HIV/AIDS and STDs. She is well-versed regarding AIDS/HIV and STD related matters on both provincial and national levels. Her previous experience in Kwa-Zulu/Natal gives her an advantage in that she has extensive knowledge of the AIDS epidemic. Coupled with her exposure as Consultant in the Directorate AIDS/HIV, she has broad exposure to and experience of the functions and duties of the national Department in this regard.
Rose Smart has been responsible for the RDP and inter-sectoral component of the Directorate's operational plan. She is also involved in the development of interdepartmental structures to assist government departments to develop their own operational plans and strategies to address the impact that the HIV/AIDS epidemic will have on their areas of responsibility. She is regarded as a good communicator and is committed to the present health policies.
The new Director is wished all the best for the challenging task that lies head for the directorate. All sectors of society are requested to support the efforts of the Directorate to structure the HIV/AIDS programme to meet the diverse needs of persons infected and affected by this epidemic.
Contact: Lulu Sebake Phone: 012 - 312 0176 Fax: 012 - 217 960