WHAT: Journalists are invited to The national launch of the First Things First HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) campaign for higher education and training institutions.
WHEN: Thursday 7 March 2013 at 11:00
WHY: First Things First is a public-private initiative led by the Higher Education HIV/ AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) in partnership with the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. President`s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); Innovative Medicines South Africa (IMSA); the Department of Higher Education and Training; the Department of Health; and the South African National Aids Council (SANAC).
Now in its third year, this award-winning campaign is aimed for roll out to universities and Further Education and Training colleges with the aim of testing up to 70,000 students and staff for HIV. In 2012 the campaign succeeded in testing 66 496 students and members of staff for HIV.
The campaign contributes to an objective of the 2012-2016 National Strategic Plan for HIV, STIs and TB to maximise opportunities for testing for HIV. It provides for the testing of large numbers using HIV rapid finger prick tests and is supported by an appropriate pre-test and post-test counselling and education programme. “First Things First" speaks to the priority of HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT). To know one’s HIV status is the basis for caring for oneself, one’s loved ones, and the broader community from HIV and AIDS.
WHO: Among the speakers at the launch will be the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Comfort Manana, and the Vice Chancellor and Principal of MUT, Professor Mashupye Ratale Kgaphola.
WHERE: Mangosuthu University of Technology.
Media contact:
Joe Maila
Minister’s Media Liaison Officer
Telephone: 012 395 9625
Mobile: 082 887 3581
E-mail: mailaj@health.gov.za
Popo Maja
Telephone: 012 395 9591
Mobile: 082 373 1169/072 585 3219
E-mail: majap@health.gov.za
