KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu has asked the people of KwaZulu-Natal to remember the call that former President Nelson Mandela made when he addressed the World AIDS Day event in Umtubatuba on 1 December 1998. Mchunu was addressing the World AIDS Day event in Ngwelezane, in Uthungulu Municipality, north of KwaZulu-Natal.
“It is exactly 15 years since our former president called on the people of this province to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. His message is still relevant and it serves as glue that should bind us together until we make a serious dent against this pandemic.”
“As we are gathered here today, we are calling upon Members of Parliament, leaders of political parties; mayors, counselors, religious leaders of all faiths and denominations, Amakhosi, Izinduna, Amagosa and all traditional healers and other structures such as non-governmental organisations, labour and business to work together in order to make an impact.
Members of cabinet including myself as the Premier have been assigned to act as Champions of Masisukume Sakhe campaign in each of the eleven districts. We call upon leadership at all levels to continue to integrate Masisukume Sakhe campaign with all programmes that are aimed at eradicating HIV, AIDS, TB and Sexual Transmitted Illnesses.”
Get Wise, Get Tested, Get Circumcised
“The campaign on Testing and Counselling has resulted in about 2 186 302 HIV tests being conducted in the province. And out of these, 314 826 tested positive. The number of HIV tests conducted increased by 3%. About 64, 396 people have been tested in uThungulu.”
“The testing coverage based on provincial population is at about 21% as compared to 20 % previously. This needs to be improved to reach 80% coverage. I am challenging all leadership in this province to drive HIV counselling and testing.”
“About 17 726 patients are on (Fixed dose combination ARVs) in UThungulu. This includes new clients, pregnant women and TB clients. All facilities including PHC facilities are initiating clients on the FDC.”
“In this district, there are 18 sites for the distribution of chronic medicines (including ARVs). Government is using community halls, tribal courts and school crèches. Community Care Givers and family health teams. About 54 out of 60 clinics have support groups for chronic conditions.”
“Importantly, the country’s Constitution protects the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS. In addition, according to the country’s Bill of Rights, there can be no discrimination against anyone who has HIV and AIDS. People living with HIV and Aids have the right to medical treatment and care from the health and welfare services of government.”
“Progress has been made in scaling up of medical male circumcision with 269 586 males circumcised. There is an increase in the number of males undergoing medical circumcision by 24% as compared 19% previously. Coverage increased to 5% from 1%. eThekwini Municipality (34 717), uMkhanyakude District (10 398) and UThungulu District (11 809) with highest numbers of MMCs. iLembe District with lowest.”
“We encourage males to go for the medical circumcision as it is a safe procedure administered by qualified health professionals. However, His Majesty has always emphasised that circumcision is not 100% effective to protect against HIV infection. Always use a condom during sex.”
“The campaign on Testing and Counselling has resulted in about 2 186 302 HIV tests being conducted in the province. And out of these, 314 826 tested positive. The number of HIV tests conducted increased by 3%. About 64, 396 people have been tested in uThungulu District alone. The testing coverage based on provincial population is at about 21% as compared to 20 % previously. This needs to be improved to reach 80% coverage. I am challenging all leadership in this province to drive HIV counselling and testing.”
“HIV has been identified as the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age, and contributes substantially to maternal mortality. About four of KZN districts are part of top 20 districts in the country with highest maternal mortality ratio.
1. Umgungundlovu (Position 2/20)
2. Uthungulu(Position 3/20)
3. Uthukela(Position 6/20)
4. eThekwini(Position 12/20)
“The Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal and Child Mortality in Africa (CARMMA) should be intensified across the province. Every level of leadership must take action to stop the death of mothers as a result of giving birth—a natural process of giving life.”
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