12 June 2006
Bhisho - The Minister of Health, Mrs Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, declared that
the year 2006/2007 be devoted to an Accelerated Prevention Strategy (APS) for
HIV/AIDS.
The Eastern Cape Department of Health heeded to the call and decided to
annually dedicate the days from 10 to 16 June for voluntary counseling and
testing of HIV/AIDS. The launch is scheduled for 12 June 2006 and will form
part of Youth Month, strategically targeting the youth. In the Eastern Cape
Province June is also the month were most of the boys turn to manhood. The
Department calls on all concerned to know their status before circumcision is
practiced.
The goal according to the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Strategy (VCTS)
is for âuniversal access to voluntary counseling and testing services through
public health and private partnerships, to an adult population between the ages
of 15 to 49 targeting women, men and the youth with the focus solely on rural
communities.â
The people of the Eastern Cape will be encouraged to get tested and to know
their status before they get sick. Early detection of HIV/AIDS will result in
the prompt management of the infection. A change in mindset regarding behaviour
will also be promoted and facilitated.
The objectives of the VCT include addressing issues of stigma and promoting
partnerships with all the relevant stakeholders in the prevention and
alleviation of HIV/AIDS.
Enquiries:
Mzukisi Ndara
Director for Communication
Tel: (040) 609 3713
E-mail: mzukisi.ndara@impilo.ecprov.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
12 June 2006
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecprov.gov.za/)
