Today, the Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC, Qedani Mahlangu spent her morning visiting residents of Madelakufa informal settlement in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni in their homes as part of the department’s HIV and AIDS Awareness campaign.
This campaign which started this morning in Ekurhuleni forms part of a build up to the World AIDS Day on 1 December 2009. During these door to door visits, ward based volunteers will visit communities in Sedibeng district council, Johannesburg metropolitan and West Rand district council to spread the message of prevention and knowing your HIV status.
The volunteers will also encourage those who already have the virus to lead healthy lifestyles and take their medication so as to prolong their lives.
Accompanied by the department’s senior managers, MEC Mahlangu interacted with the residents of Madelakufa and encouraged them to know their HIV status and to prevent the spread of the disease by abstaining, being faithful or by using condoms. She also distributed leaflets with HIV and AIDS information as well as condoms.
During her interactions, MEC Mahlangu noted that it was still difficult for women to negotiate for safer sex and she believes that through these ongoing public interactions such challenges will be overcome.
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
24 November 2009
Source: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.health.gpg.gov.za/)
