The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, will open two clinics in Dundee Hospital and Wasbank in the Umzinyathi District as part of a call to communities to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV.
“To prevent the transmission of HIV from mother to baby, the department promotes a comprehensive approach, which includes the following four components: (i) primary prevention of HIV among all women of child bearing age; (ii) preventing unwanted or unplanned pregnancies among women living with HIV; (iii) promoting early booking of all pregnant women; and (iv) providing appropriate treatment, care and support to mothers living with HIV and their children and families,” says the MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo.
The MEC has been very vocal about the role that communities, and sectors of communities, can play in ensuring that all pregnant women have a safe pregnancy by booking early for clinics; priests and amaKhosi encourage husbands to play a role during their partner’s pregnancy and faith organisations should talk about the importance of attending clinics early for all pregnant women.
The opening of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) Unit in Dundee Hospital as well as the Wasbank Clinic will be part of a call by the MEC for the public to play a meaningful role in ensuring that no child is born with HIV when there are means to prevent it.
The opening function will be held as follows:
Date: Thursday, 7 April 2011
Time: 09h00
Venue: Wasbank Clinic Sports grounds
Journalists are invited to attend the MEC’s visit; transport is available for journalists and will depart from the Durban Playhouse at 06h00.
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
Province
