21/11/2016: City of Joburg highlights importance of educating the community to fight HIV and AIDS
World AIDS Day is observed internationally annual on the 1st December, as part of its commemorations, the City of Johannesburg together with Gauteng Department of Health and other partners have been embarking on a number of activities as a build-up towards the World AIDS Day.
The City of Johannesburg Health Department volunteers have started visiting households across the City to provide education to communities about the HIV and AIDS and to increase awareness about the benefit of HIV testing and counselling, prevention and treatment programmes.
The World AIDS Day 2016 will be held under theme, "It is in our hands to end HIV and TB". The City of Johannesburg has trained a number of volunteers to reach out to marginalized groups in particular in a bid to heighten the campaigns against HIV and AIDS.
The main aim of the initiative is to educate and prevent new HIV infections among sectors of the population that are most vulnerable and most at risk. The volunteers are also providing information about testing and treatment policies and improve linkages to treatment that are available at all the City's clinics.
Cllr Mpho Phalatse, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development in the City of Johannesburg says, "In our quest to prevent additional infections, it is imperative to accelerate action around the protection and empowerment of young women and key populations throughout the City".
"This will be achieved through the various focused prevention and care programmes within the City of Johannesburg. It is important for all to know your HIV status and respond responsibly to your status. If HIV negative, choose to remain negative; if positive stay healthy, enrol into care", emphasizes Cllr Phalatse.
The City of Johannesburg's World AIDS Day awareness activities are to be held as follows:
• Man to Man (Score4Life Launch) on Friday, 25 November 2016 at Alex Plaza in Alexandra.
• Tjovitjo (Prevention of HAST through Sports, Arts and Culture targeted at youth in school and out of school) on Saturday, 26 November 2016 at Riverlea Recreation Centre in Riverlea.
• Tshepa Thapela – citywide campaign encouraging churches to play a pivotal role in addressing HIV and AIDS on Sunday 27 November 2016.
• Man to Man: Diepkloof Men’s Forum, Sonke Gender Justice and Partners on Thursday, 01 December 2016 - Diepkloof Hall, Soweto.
• World AIDS Day national event takes place on Thursday, 01 December 2016 at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton.
The City of Johannesburg urges all the community members to participate in these campaigns.
ENDS
Issued by the City of Johannesburg
For all media queries, send an email to: mediaqueries@joburg.org.za
