As a build-up to World AIDS Day, Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC Qedani Mahlangu officially opened HIV/AIDS Expo at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg.
Speaking at the Expo, MEC Mahlangu encouraged the youth to abstain from sex for as long as possible and once they engage in sexual activities, they should protect themselves from contracting HIV by using condoms.
In her interaction with the youth, MEC Mahlangu emphasised the importance of knowing ones status. “Go to your nearest health facility, seek pre-counselling, test and get your results. Knowing your status especially if you are positive, will help you get the right treatment and necessary support which will prolong your life,” she said.
The MEC also committed to making available more female condoms and also educate women on how to use them.
Under the theme, We live, We love, siyaphila, the three day (starting today 30 November until 2 December 2009) expo aims to encourage the spirit of a caring community by reinforcing the value of Ubuntu and the culture of reaching out to those affected and infected.
In addition to showcasing the work done by civil society, public and private sector on HIV and AIDS, there will be dialogues, music and voluntary counseling and testing.
Day One, 30 November: One Love Dialogue (A youth dialogue on teen pregnancy and HIV and AIDS); The Big Brother/Big Sister Dialogue (A dialogue on people with multiple concurrent partners); Couples Dialogue (A couple's dialogue on VCT/to encourage couples and the general public to test).
Day Two, 1 December/World AIDS Day): Cultural activities (drama, poetry, arts and craft exhibition, traditional music and dance) and speakers from different sectors.
Day Three, The Last Day (2 December) will host One Love Concert (gospel, jazz, hip-hop and kwaito).
In addition to the Expo, the province has embarked on door-to-door campaign launched by MEC Mahlangu at Madelakufa Informal Settlements in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni on 25 November 2009. Under the theme, Reduce new HIV infections, ward based volunteers are visiting communities in Johannesburg Metro, Sedibeng and West Rand District Councils to spread the message of prevention and knowing your HIV status. The volunteers are also encouraging those who already have the virus to lead healthy lifestyles and take their medication to prolong their lives.
President Jacob Zuma will deliver a keynote address tomorrow at Tshwane Showgrounds during the World AIDS Day and his speech will be broadcast live at Mary Fitzgerald Square (HIV/AIDS Expo).
Concluding MEC Mahlangu said, “Take responsibility for your life; Abstain, Be faithful and Condomise.”
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
30 November 2009
