KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu has asked the people of KwaZulu-Natal to remain united in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The premier has convened the Partnership against HIV and AIDS Conference which take place tomorrow, 12 November 2014 at the Royal Showgrounds, Pietermaritzburg stating at 08h00.
The conference will be attended by cabinet, leaders of society such as traditional leaders, traditional healers, religious leaders, NGOs, mayors from all district municipalities, academics, researchers and senior government officials from all spheres of government.
“I have convened this meeting in my capacity as the Chairperson of the Provincial HIV and AIDS Council.This forms part of our efforts aimed at giving feedback on what this province has achieved in the fight against this pandemic. Importantly, the main purpose of this conference is to unite our actions to ensure that we speak with one voice against HIV and AIDS.”
“We cannot afford to send out mixed messages to the public because this will reverse our gains. Since we took office in 2009 we have stabilised HIV prevalence in our province from 39.5% to 37.4% as a direct result of our integrated approach through the Provincial Council on HIV and AIDS.”
“Working together with all sectors of our society we have ensured that our initiatives on the prevention and distribution of anti-retroviral treatment are successful. About 56 822 children are receiving ARVs and more than 600 000 adults are receiving ARVs. The waiting list for anti-retroviral treatment no longer exists in this province.”
“We must make it impossible for this pandemic to thrive in KZN. We will achieve this through an integrated approach which must be discussed by all stakeholders and be implemented using accepted processes based on a national plan for the fight against HIV and AIDS.”
The successes we have achieved over the years are a clear proof that the involvement of all leaders, communities and civil society in this battle is the only formula that will ensure that our actions make an impact.
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
