10 February 2006
North West Premier Edna Molewa says there has been a relative drop in HIV
and AIDS prevalence from 29% in 2003 to 26% in 2005 and that this was pleasing
especially because it was recorded among the youth between the ages of 15 and
24.
Speaking during her State of the Province Address, Premier Molewa said with
regard to the implementation of the Comprehensive Care, Management and
Treatment of HIV and AIDS, the Province would continue to expand the accredited
sites to ensure access to treatment for those who needed it.
Addressing the issue of health and hospitals, Premier Molewa said as part of
revitalising hospitals and the building of clinics, two hospitals in Moses
Kotane and Swartruggens were completed.
"Hospitals in Brits and Vryburg are being constructed and work is proceeding
well. We are fast-tracking our clinic construction project and expenditure in
this regard has improved but this still requires close monitoring," she
said.
A total 4 999 community health workers (CHWs), some of whom will become
fully fledged CHWs once they are trained, have been appointed.
Premier Molewa also spoke about the Primary School Nutrition Programme,
which she said, âwould ensure that learners would not have to study on empty
stomachs.â
"We will direct the two affected departments of Education and Social
Development to work out modalities of focusing on the farm school child. This
will be done in line with the National Policy but as a province we will also
look critically at possibilities of including in the envelope, those needy
children that may be prejudiced by being in certain grades," she said.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Monama
Tel: (018) 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
10 February 2006
