Speaking notes by Deputy President Motlanthe at the launch of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Operation Sukuma Sakhe Multi-Sectoral Service Delivery Model Best Practice Report and of SA's 2012 HIV Estimates and Modelling Projections
Programme Director;
Minister of Health: Dr Aaron Motsoaledi;
Premier of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mr Senzo Mchunu;
MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Ms Nomsa Dube-Ncube;
Executive Mayor of the Ethekweni Metro, Mr James Nxumalo;
Members of the KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council (MECs);
Executive Director of The Joint United Nations HIV Programme & friend of South Africa, Mr Michel Sedibe;
UNAIDS Country Co-ordinator, Dr Catherine Sozi;
Representatives of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC);
CEO of SANAC, Fareed Abdullah;
Members of the Provincial and District AIDS Councils;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Compliments of the New Year and all the best in all your endeavours in 2014 and beyond. We are still in this period of goodwill where there are not complaints, only compliments.
I am once again honoured to be back here in KwaZulu-Natal today for the launch of the two reports which have been presented in this meeting. It is encouraging to see the success that has emanated from the concerted effort to implement a comprehensive programme through the Sukuma Sakhe model.
Today KwaZulu-Natal can finally celebrate the results of this programme and share this success with other provinces.
The two reports – the report into Operation Sukuma Sakhe as a multi-sectoral service delivery model and the 2012 HIV Estimates and Modelling Projections – contribute to our knowledge and will enhance our ability to improve and expand our programmes.
Operation Sukuma Sakhe has provided an exemplary model of how to bring the full might of a co-ordinated multi-sectoral service delivery response to bear at the level of individuals, households and communities in order that we may, together, tackle issues such as HIV.
This model is indeed unique in that it addresses a wide range of challenges the problems in a comprehensive and consistent way; it is community-led thus empowering individuals in a way that truly changes the live experience to what are most vulnerable. Turnaround times for the resolution of problems are shortened and most importantly, accountability is strengthened.
Success in our national effort to prevent new HIV and TB infections will require that we replicate this model throughout the country in line with the decision we took as SANAC. Now that the model has been documented, it will be easier for provinces to adapt it to their own context-specific conditions.
I would like to congratulate the province for the work that they have been doing, for their readiness to share experiences and with the wider SANAC family to also thank all the stakeholders who continue to support this province. A very big “Thank you” to our friend Mr Michel Sedibe the Executive Director of the United Nations Joint Programme of HIV, the country team led by Dr Catherine Sozi for supporting us in documenting this best practice model. It is now up to us to use this tool to replicate the successes highlighted in the Estimates Report that has been discussed in detail this model.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNAIDS have used estimates of HIV prevalence from 2004 - 2012 and the Spectrum Model to estimate HIV incidence in South Africa – that is, the number of annual new HIV infections – and has projected these forward to 2016.
On the basis of this information the report has helped to identify where new infections are emerging and what the total burden of disease in the country really is.
This data will assist us to refine our programmes, expand our reach and address emerging gaps as we implement the HIV & AIDS and STI Strategic Plan for South Africa (NSP).
As the Minister of Health highlighted, the report indicates that we are making progress. However, we aware of the fact that more work remains to be done. Remember that our target is Zero. As we celebrate the success we need to redouble our efforts.
These reports provide us with the hope that we can turn the tide against the HIV epidemic and offer encouragement that we are going in the right direction. But they also emphasise the level of effort that is required if we are to realise our objectives as outlined in the NSP.
Programme Director;
Let me once again take the opportunity to thank all the stakeholders that are supporting South Africa in our efforts and to encourage everyone to keep up the good work.
Aluta continua!
I thank you.
