Premier Mabuza launches HIV Counselling and Testing Campaign in Standerton
29 April 2010
Premier David Mabuza. as the first citizen of the province, will lead a war against HIV and AIDS when he publicly tests his HIV status on Friday, 30 April 2010 at Winniefred Maboea Community Health Centre in Lekwa Local Municipality.
The launch of the HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) campaign aims to mobilise people to know their staus,support healthy lifestyle irrespective of their HIV status and facilitate access to prevention, treatment, care and support services.This forms part of government’s programme to fight the scourge of HIV and AIDS pandemic. This launch follows the national one where President Jacob Zuma tested and invited all the people to know their status by testing.
During his recent community meetings throughout the province, Premier Mabuza emphasised his government’s commitment to the comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care strategy. He ensured that he articulates the government’s messages of Abstain, Be faithful and Condomise when addressing these communities. He also encouraged people to test their HIV status so that they can avoid risky behaviour irrespective of their HIV status.
The provincial government has targetted Gert Sibande District as one of the top four ditricts in the country with the highest HIV prevalence rate of 40,5%. The rollout of testing is intending to reach a minimum of 1 095 823 from the date of the launch until June 2011. This target is based on the districts’ testing trends that shows the following district targets: Ehlanzen 347 033,Nkangala 470 470 and Gert Sibande 278 320.
Members of the Executive Council, Executive Mayors,senior government officials and other dignitaries are expected to publicly test their HIV status during the launch.
Details of the launch:
Date: 30 April 2010
Time: 10h00
Venue: Winniefred Maboea Community Health Centre, Lekwa Municipality
Enquiries:
Mokope Taiwe
Cell: 082 802 8460
Issued by Office of the Premier, Mpumalanga Provincial Government