sexual behaviour
14 February 2007
In celebrating Valentine's day Gauteng Health MEC Brian Hlongwa visited
Lebohang and Mahareng High Schools in Boipatong Township on the West Rand to
deliver the ABC (Abstain, Be faithful and Condomise) message to more than 1 600
learners.
The MEC's visit to these schools forms part of the national Sexually
Transmitted Infections (STI) and Condom week which was launched on Sunday, 11
February.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage communities, and especially young
people, to take more responsibility in the prevention and management of
sexually transmitted diseases.
During the visit Hlongwa said: "This is critical to our effort to fight HIV
and AIDS and is one of the key strategies in our campaign to reduce new HIV
infections."
He told the learners that HIV and AIDS is not insurmountable and urged
learners to "abstain, be faithful and condomise." Hlongwa also warned learners
against the abuse of drugs and alcohol as this increases one's vulnerability to
having unprotected sex and contracting HIV and AIDS.
He said his department's theme for this month is "My sexual and reproductive
behaviour is my responsibility." Hlongwa said blaming apartheid for the social
ills besetting our communities is not enough.
"You are the future. We need to see doctors, nurses, engineers and other
professionals who will contribute to creating a better South Africa for all,"
he said, to much applause.
For more information, contact:
Vusi Sibiya
Gauteng Department of Health
Cell: 082 330 1085
Issued by: Department of Health, Gauteng Provincial Government
14 February 2007
