As reported in the statement issued by the Presidency yesterday, the official launch of the national HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) campaign has been postponed.
The campaign, which was set to commence on 15th April will now be launched at a slightly later date. In addition, the provincial launch dates, which had been set for 19 April, have been postponed until further advice. They will still take place following the national launch.
The postponement is in order to ensure that the president and deputy president can be present and able to share and lead on this important occasion. This was not going to be possible on the 15th because both are out of South Africa on that date.
In addition, after the tragic death of Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sefularo, the Department of Health has spent much time this week preparing for his funeral.
Given the importance of our campaign to massively increase the numbers of people who test for HIV, The Presidency wants to communicate not only their political commitment to, and leadership of the campaign, but also their sense of personal responsibility. This responsibility entails presence and participation at the national launch event.
In the meantime, intensive preparations continue across all sectors of society to make this campaign a success. Work continues with the same commitment that all have invested towards achieving the goals of this important campaign. We will turn the tide on HIV and AIDS in South Africa. We will take responsibility, for ourselves, our communities and our country.
For further information on preparations for the campaign, contact:
Junaid Seedat
Tel: 082 435 1321
E-mail: junaid@sanac.org.za
Mark Heywood
Tel: 083 634 8806
Issued by: South African National AIDS Council
9 April 2010
Source: South African National AIDS Council (http://www.saanac.org.za/)
