PROPOSED LAUNCH FOR THE GOVERNMENT AIDS PLAN

Issued by: Directorate: HIV/AIDS and STD's

1. Objectives of the Launch

• To raise public awareness about AIDS and HIV infection.
• To call for public commitment to prevent the spread of AIDS.
• To encourage personalities to speak publicly on AIDS.
• To communicate simply and clear messages on AIDS.
• To provide statistics to show the seriousness of AIDS.
• To give AIDS a face.

2. Schedule of Events and Activities

JULY

Inter Ministerial Committee to approve mass mobilisation strategy and work programme.

AUGUST -

Government lobby stakeholders to its AIDS Plan through sectoral briefings by Ministers and Deputy President.

SEPTEMBER

Stakeholders brief constituencies on the Government AIDS Plan and formulate their responses to it.

OCTOBER -

Joint launch of the Government AIDS Plan with alliances and exploit SABC communication network.

3. Proposed Programme for the Launch (17:00 - 19:00)

• 17:00-17:30 Guests arrive to a cocktail of snacks and drinks and network with soft sounds of classical, jazz and African ballads in the background.
• 17:30-18:00 Music and cultural events to jazz-up the launch
• A song composed on AIDS.
• Dance and choreography on AIDS.
• Poetry and prose on AIDS.
• Elton John live through video conferencing. Renditions inter-spaced with personal messages from people living with AIDS on big video screen.
• 18:00-19:00 Deputy President challenging stakeholders to commit themselves in the fight against AIDS.
• Pledge by business.
• Pledge by labour
• Pledge by NGOs
• Pledge by religious groups
• Pledge by sports council Vote of thanks by Minister of Health.

20:00-23:00 SABC dinner to raise funds for broadcasting AIDS on radio and television. Presidency to promote the Government AIDS PLAN and acknowledge the pledges and contributions made by stakeholders.