Zero tolerance to HIV and AIDS-related challenges in our societies

Under the theme “South Africa is taking responsibility”, the Free State provincial government will on Thursday, 1 December 2011 commemorate World AIDS Day in Smithfield in the Xhariep District Municipality. With this being the 23^rd anniversary of World AIDS Day, government is acknowledging that there is still much to be done in the fight against this disease.

This year the South African government is focusing more on the last phase of the theme “I am Responsible, We are Responsible and South Africa is takingResponsibility”, by committing to upscale the provision of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. This also ties in perfectly with the “Getting to Zero Strategy 2011-15” that various governments across the globe have adopted toensure that ultimately the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) are achieved by 2015. The emphasis on the zero is to promote: Getting to Zero New HIV Infections, Zero AIDS – Related Deaths and Zero Discrimination.

Some of the goals to be reached by 2015 include halving sexual transmission of HIV; halving related-maternal deaths, universal access to Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) to eligible people living with HIV; halving TB deaths among people living with HIV and zero-tolerance to gender-based violence.

In relation to achieving the MDG’s by 2015, the 2011 commemoration will amongst others:

• Act as launch pad for the National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS and TB (NSP 2012 – 2016);
• Intensify and sustain the provision of HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) and health screening services for TB and other non – communicable diseases;
• Promote greater public awareness and participation in accessing essential services provided by Government Departments and civil society sectors;
• Encourage Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in addressing issues pertaining to stigma and discrimination.

The commemoration of the day in Smithfield will comprise of various activities including the provision of health and social services including HCT and other health screenings. Premier Ace Magashule’s keynote address will put a special premium on HIV prevention and responsible behaviour.He will also call on everyone to take responsibility and have a non-discriminatory and non-judgemental approach to people living with HIV.

The provincial event to be led by Premier Magashule and Members of the Executive Council and the representatives of the Provincial AIDS Council will take place as follows:

Date: Thursday, 1 December 2011
Venue: Smithfield

A programme with full details is attached.

For enquiries:
Mondli Mvambi
Cell: 082 043 3744

For RSVP:
Thato Mafisa
Tel: 051 405 3398
E-mail: jabanel@premier.fs.gov.za

Proposed World AIDS Day 2011 Programme

Date: 1 December 2011
Time: 08h00
Venue: Kosie Du Plessis Stadium, Smithfield, Xhariep District
Theme: Getting to Zero – Zero Infections, Zero AIDS/TB related deaths, Zero Discrimination