At the invitation of Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, the Champions for an HIV-Free Generation, led by former Presidents of Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia, will pay a country visit to South Africa between 4 and 5 March 2010.
The aim of the visit is to meet with top leaders from government and civil society to share experiences and best practices for scaling up HIV prevention and to encourage South Africa to play a leading role in the regional response to HIV and AIDS.
The visit will afford the champions an opportunity to interact with Members of Parliament, health practitioners as well as members of the national and KwaZulu-Natal AIDS Councils. Visits to health sites in Cape Town and KwaCaluza in Pietermaritzburg will showcase integrated community responses to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
On 4 March, the champions will pay a courtesy call to King Goodwill Zwelithini in Durban to commend his majesty on his intentions to revive the practice of male circumcision within the Zulu tribe as an HIV prevention measure. The champions have already visited Mozambique and Namibia to discuss the sexual health benefits of male circumcision.
Botswana’s former President Festus Mogae launched the champion’s initiative at the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City with the aim of mobilising national leaders to revitalise their commitment to HIV prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Members of the media are invited to experience this momentous occasion.
Enquiries:
Terrence Manase
Cell: 082 338 6707
E-mail: terrence@po.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
26 February 2010
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/)
