The Northern Cape Provincial Government today commemorated World Aids day under the theme, “It is in our hands to stop HIV and TB” by conducting a community outreach to about 100 families living and affected with HIV/ AIDS the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. This forms part of an integrated approach between Government, civil society, NGO’s and religious formations to assess whether people take up the responsibility to regularly test for HIV or TB, know where they can find a testing site, clinic or health facility and whether the services at these Government centres are adequate satisfactory. This campaign was led by the Premier, Ms. Sylvia Lucas, who together with the Provincial MECs visited areas in and around Kuruman and Kathu. This programme was started last year during World Aids day and piloted in the Frances Baard District.
It was encouraging to note that members of the community that were visited confirmed that they do take their antiretroviral medication and that they were aware of the dangers of not taking your medication whilst being HIV positive. Some of the households where family members have battled TB, successfully completed their course of medication and are now TB free. Ms. Lucas stated that the fact that HIV positive people who were taking their medication attested to how it is improving their lives and that antiretroviral tablets are ready available at clinics is an indication of the success of Government’s HIV programme.
At a report back session, in the form of a community Imbizo in Deben, after the household visits, Ms. Lucas encouraged stakeholders and community members present that we need to show compassion and support to our people. “There should be no stigma and discrimination against those living with HIV. She went further to state that, “We can only turn the situation around if we make sure that we provide people with information and proper services that can have a positive impact in our fight against HIV/AIDS and TB.” Ms. Lucas commended the caregivers on the work that they are doing because through their community service people living with HIV/AIDS are given hope that their disease is not a death sentence.
The 100 families that were visited have been adopted by Government in order to do follow ups and make sure that we can do more to address their developmental needs. The Premier also announced the establishment of community war rooms where matters pertaining to HIV/AIDS, poverty and services of Government can constantly be addressed.
The aim of today’s programme was to ensure that the commemoration of AIDS day does not become an event but becomes a 365 day campaign that encourages people to know their status and live healthy lifestyles.
Testing sites were available and information brochures and condoms were distributed to members of the community. Community members were encouraged to test in order to know their status and start living positively.
As part of the build up programme to World Aids day, five district youth consultative forums were held that culminated in a Provincial summit, a young woman’s dialogue and a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) workshop.
The Premier and civil society lit candles in memory of those that have lost the battle to HIV/ AIDS but also to encourage others to get tested in order to know their status and make positive life decisions. Ms. Lucas encouraged everyone to work with Government and Civil society towards an HIV free generation. Ms Lucas also made a commitment to increase awareness programme on HIV and AIDS as a means of fighting the stigma. It is hoped that by the end of this programme, Government would have adopted 100 families in each District.
Released by the Spokesperson to the Premier
Contact: Bronwyn Thomas-Abrahams, 083 447 6586, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.