11 December 2007
The Eastern Cape Department of Health marked the last day of 16 Days of
Activism by conducting a road show on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention of
violence against women and children at the King Williams Town Taxi Rank on 10
December 2007.
The purpose of this event was to promote services available in the aftermath
of rape in order to prevent HIV infection and to ensure that communities have
access to information while they are continuing with their business of the
day.
During the event male and female condoms were distributed, voluntary
counselling and testing services (VCT) were rendered, health education on HIV,
sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were done and moreover, people were
encouraged to seek health services within three days after sexual assault where
they would receive counselling and post exposure prophylaxis (PEP: these are
medicines that help rape survivor not to become infected by a certain illness
or virus). Women and children were also encouraged to come forward and report
any kind of abuse they were exposed to.
According to Director HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Management,
Nogoduka, the event was conducted in collaboration with other relevant
stakeholders like police to ensure that impact of sexual assault is
minimised.
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
11 December 2007
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecdoh.gov.za)
