30 November 2006
The first of December was declared World Aids Day by the World Health
Organisation (WHO), and it has been celebrated annually since the declaration
in 1988. The principal aim of commemorating the day is to increase the level of
global awareness and to encourage everybody to take control of his or her life
and practise safe sex.
In May 2006, the Abuja declaration on HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and
malaria paved way for African Union Heads of State to endorse the development
of an effective, affordable, accessible HIV vaccine relevant to Africa and
supporting the African AIDS vaccine programme and its partners and institution
committed to HIV vaccine research and testing in Africa. In the North West
province, Aurum Health (vaccine trials) in Klerksdorp is supported by the
government.
The Southern Africa's Development Community (SADC) resolution on women and
girl child, agreed upon at the commission on the status of women in March,
called for accelerated efforts to prevent and reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS
on women and children in the developing countries and included crucial support
for AIDS vaccine and microbicides.
The first India-Brazil-South Africa Heads of Government summit agreed in
October 2006 to increase collaboration on the development of new diagnostic
tools, drugs and vaccines, including vaccines to prevent HIV and AIDS.
With the theme "Stop AIDS, recommit yourself, keep the promise" it focuses
on accountability and stresses the critical need for government and policy
makers to meet current commitment, increase response to HIV and AIDS and to
deliver access to treatment, care and prevention by 2010.
"The 2005 AIDS statistics indicated that in the North West province, three
out of ten people are infected. The department is however still faced with the
challenge of ensuring that people go for HIV and AIDS testing, particularly
pregnant mothers. This is because of stigma associated with the latter and we
have professionals who are educating our community so as to do away with the
stigma associated with HIV and AIDS. We have a number of non-governmental
organisations throughout the province who have shown their authentic and
unconditional support to those infected and affected by the deadly disease and
these care givers need our support and I should applaud them since they have
put their lives at risks because they are taking care of people who are
terminally ill," concluded MEC Nomonde Rasmeni.
The day will start with visits to projects and the formal programme will
start at 11h00.
Members of the media are invited to join the department in commemorating the
day and capture the event.
Enquiries:
Zakes Molala
Acting Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: (018) 387 5830
Fax: (018) 387 5830
E-mail: lmolala@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health, North West Provincial Government (http://www.nwhealth.gov.za)
30 November 2006
Source: North West Provincial Government (http://www.nwhealth.gov.za)
