Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa together with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu, officially launched the national HIV and TB Stigma Reduction Interventions in Durban today.
In his capacity as chair of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa spearheaded the launch of the national HIV and TB Stigma Reduction Interventions as delegates gathered in the city for the 7th SA AIDS Conference.
The results of South Africa’s first National Stigma Index Survey, undertaken by SANAC, were also released at this event. The survey involved 10 000 respondents and is the largest of its kind in the world – in partnership with people living with HIV.
The stigma reduction programmes rest on strategic partnerships involving South African and international organisations in the state and civil society sectors.
In addition to the Stigma Index, key interventions are:
- A nationwide legal service for people with HIV and TB who experience stigma and infringements of their human rights;
- A community-based stigma reduction programme that is being developed and tested in the Eastern Cape and will eventually be extended to all provinces; and
- Communication campaigns to raise public awareness of stigma and help build a more supportive society.
Addressing crowds during last year's World Aids Day, Ramaphosa said efforts to fight prejudice, stigma and discrimination, needed to be redoubled if HIV infections in the country are to be reduced.
Enquiries:
Thami Ngwenya
Head: Provincial Government Communication
Cell: 060 572 9881
