Key populations which include sex workers, persons who inject drugs, inmates and members of the LGBTQI+ community stand a higher risk contracting and transmitting HIV and STIs.
In an effort to improve health service offerings that lead to the reduction of HIV and STI infection among this group, the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko together with the Executive Mayor of the Sedibeng District Municipality, Lerato Maloka will launch the first-ever Key Population centre for the district at Market Avenue Clinic in Vereeniging.
These centres are considered safe and friendly for key populations and provide comprehensive services that are tailored to meet the health needs of this group which include counselling, screening for HIV, STIs and TB, and access to Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) amongst other services.
The launch will also include the Simon Nkoli Memorial Lecture, which marks its 10 anniversary. The lecture is held annually in honour of the late South African antiapartheid and LGBTQI+ rights activist.
The lecture serves as a platform to commemorate Nkoli’s life and legacy, and to promote dialogue and awareness on issues related to LGBTQI+ rights, social justice, and equality in South Africa.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Friday, 24 November 2023
Time: 10h00
Venue: Market Avenue Clinic, 22 Market Avenue, Vereeniging
For more details contact Sedibeng District Health Comms manager Ms Portia Gibson on 073 230 7348.
Media enquiries:
Motalatale Modiba, Head of Communication
Cell: 064 803 0808
E-mail: healthmediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za
Tshepo Shawa, Spokesperson for the MEC for Health
Cell: 072 222 6333
E-mail: Tshepo.Shawa@gauteng.gov.za
