The Department of Correctional Services is joining the rest of the nation in commemorating World Aids Day in order to contribute in arresting and also reverse the spread of HIV and AIDS.
The main event of the department will take place on 2 December 2010 at the Grootvlei Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein.
Officials and offenders will be spending the day at the Polokehong Primary School in Bloemfontein assisting children who are both infected and / affected by HIV and AIDS. Some of the children are on Antiretroviral Treatment but are experiencing problems because of lack of proper nutrition. Offenders will assist in cleaning up the school yard and start a vegetable garden, where the children can access vegetables regularly.The produce will also be donated to local volunteers assisting to take care of some of the sick parents at home so that they can cook from the garden and provide meals to the patients.
In line with the new policy changes Correctional Services will be focusing on the key areas:
- Clinical Guidelines for the Management of HIV & AIDS in Adults and Adolescents
- Management of HIV in Children and
- Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT).
Various other events will be taking place across the country including, Rustenburg, Barberton, Pollsmor, Witbank.These events will take place at different dates in the month of December.
Over the past few years, the department has strengthened efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS which has resulted in the establishment of wellness centres for the provision of Comprehensive prevention, care, support and treatment services. Thus far 21 such sites are providing Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) to inmates. Where such a site is not available inmates are referred to the nearest DCS facility or an external public health facility to access ART The cumulative number of offenders on ART is 8 638 as at end September 2010
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
