More than 300 000 people have tested for HIV in Gauteng public health facilities since the launch of HIV counselling and testing (HCT) in April 2010. This makes the province the leader in terms of the number of people who have tested so far.
Since the launch, all public health facilities in the province provide a free walk-in service for health screening and HCT. Between launch and 30 June 2010, a total of 340 290 people have tested for HIV in these facilities.
In an effort to further increase the number of people in the province who know their health status and to reach the provinces target of 3.3 million people by June 2011, Gauteng has a massive HCT campaign for all public servants from today, Wednesday, 28 until Friday, 30 July 2010 at Piazza, Fox street, Johannesburg.
In addition to HIV counselling and testing, government employees will have an opportunity to also test for common health problems such as hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol.
The department also has mobile HCT services that go out to community gatherings as well as rural parts of the province where health facilities are not easily accessible.
In association with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other community organisations, the department also takes advantage of any opportunity to encourage people especially the youth to lead healthy lifestyles and know their status.
The purpose of the campaign is to diagnose HIV, tuberculosis (TB), diabetes and high blood pressure at an early stage in order to get people onto effective treatment in time. Early treatment reduces unnecessary deaths especially from TB and AIDS. Through treatment, many people are living healthy and meaningful lives. They are able to look after their families and participate fully in community life.
To improve the lives of Gauteng citizens, the department has increased the number of antiretroviral (ARV) sites. So far the life saving treatment has been available in all hospitals and community health centres.
The MEC for Health and Social Development, Qedani Mahlangu, has ordered that all clinics should provide the treatment by September this in line with the new treatment guidelines that came into effect in April.
Currently, more than 303 000 (including 22 830 children) patients are currently on treatment in the province. More than one million patients have been assessed and will gradually be brought into the treatment programme when they reach treatment requirements.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892.
