Minister Mayende-Sibiya was speaking after undergoing an HIV test at the event to encourage the 600 employees of the Presidency to test for HIV at Union Buildings in Pretoria today.
Mayende-Sibiya said the target of government was to reach at least 80 percent of its 1,2 million employees with HCT campaign. She said if each of these employees were to encourage at least five people in their families or communities to test for HIV, the number of people tested through the government workplace support programmes can rise up to 4,8 million people.
"That will be a major contribution by state employees to the country target to test 15 million sexually active individuals of 12 years and older by the end of June 2011," said Minister Mayende-Sibiya.
She said the HCT campaign is based on the understanding that HIV counselling and testing is an entry point to prevention as well as treatment, care and support services.
The campaign aims to encourage positive behaviour change, encouraging individuals and communities to take responsibility for their health under the theme: "I am Responsible, We are Responsible, South Africa is taking Responsibility".
"The theme emphasises both the individual and collective responsibility that South Africans need to take in order to significantly reduce the rate of new HIV infections, and ensure access to treatment, care and support services to people living with HIV," said Minister Mayende-Sibiya.
The HCT campaign for The Presidency employees started in Pretoria today and is going to be extended to The Presidency offices in Cape Town and Durban.
Contact:
Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 7720 161
