The MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, will tomorrow be part of the HIV counselling and testing programme organised by the Community Media Trust (otherwise known as Siyayinqoba, Beating it!) together with eThekwini Municipality.
Journalists are invited to the events that will take place on Friday 13 May 2011 at Inanda John Langalibalele Dube Stadium from 08h00. This programme targets people from Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu and Phoenix including scholars. Also present will be the Deputy City Manager: Health Services, Dr Musa Gumede.
The area of Inanda Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (INK) is made up of the largest residential area north of eThekwini, but lacking in economic activity to provide jobs to residents north of the Umgeni River. In eThekwini ten percent (10%) of the total maternal deliveries in public health facilities are women less than 18 years. The incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections cases treated at our facilities in 2009 stood above the national average of 4.4% at 6.8%. There is a high TB case load (more than 45000) and a high TB defaulter rate amongst males. The Metro has the second lowest rate of immunisation when compared to all metropolitan areas in South Africa (79.8%) and a high immunisation drop out rate of 8%.
Accepting the invitation the MEC said that the campaign will add value in the assertion by the Honourable Premier, Dr Zweli Mkhize, who believes that; “If South Africa is to achieve the goal of 'A South Africa that is free of Tuberculosis, HIV and the stigma surrounding the diseases', KwaZulu-Natal has to lead such a change”.
Enquiries:
Department of Health: KwaZulu-Natal
Corporate Communications
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
Sane Shandu
Communication Officer (Health & CPASU)
eThekwini Municipality: Communications Unit
Cell: 072 572 8658
E-mail: shandusanelisiwe@durban.gov.za
The MEC for Health will visit the HIV counselling and testing programme that will be held in Inanda tomorrow
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