The Minister of Health, Dr A Motsoaledi, will convene a meeting of hospital CEOs from three provinces, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga in Durban (Hilton Hotel) to ascertain the state of readiness for a massive HIV testing campaign.
The state President, HE JG Zuma, made a pronouncement during the World AIDS Day in 2009 that he would launch a massive campaign for people to know their status. At this occasion the President said, "Our message is simple. We have to stop the spread of HIV. We must reduce the rate of new infections. Prevention is our most powerful weapon against the epidemic. Each individual must take responsibility for protection against HIV. To the youth, the future belongs to you. Be responsible and do not expose yourself to risks."
Journalists are invited to the event to be held as follows:
Date: 18 March 2010 (Thursday)
Time: 08h30 to 13h30
Venue: Hilton Hotel, Durban
There will be opportunities for one on one interviews with the minister after the meeting.
For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Cell: 076 517 3333
Issued by: Department of Health
17 March 2010
