District Aids Council for CDM
Capricorn District Municipality launched the second District Aids Council at a ceremony at Jack Botes Hall last Thursday.
Delivering the keynote address, Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba said that the aim of the Capricorn District AIDS Council is to strengthen and enhance the country’s response to the major challenge of HIV/ aids, so to ensure that its efforts reflect a true expression of the council’s multi-sectoral response to HIV/aids in the country.
Ramathuba explained that the council will serve as a platform for collaboration and sharing of experience in fighting the scourge of HIV/aids and added that the Department of Health is an ex-officio member of the council that is chaired by the deputy president at national level and by the premier at provincial level.
“We applaud the district under the capable leadership of the executive mayor for their efforts in consolidating the council and producing the leadership we have today.
“As you would know, our collective strategic objectives are to reduce the rate of new HIV infections and mitigate the impact of Aids on individuals, families and communities,” Ramathuba said.
The MEC said that the National Aids Council (NAC) will assist to intensify prevention interventions aimed at changing behaviour and reduce sexual transmission and to reduce the mother-to-child transmission of HIV/aids.
“Our people should know that HIV/aids is no longer a death sentence and that it is a manageable disease.
“The road towards an AIDS–free generation is still painfully long, we have to keep doing the work and educating communities about the devastating impact of HIV/aids and everyone should contribute towards the goal of a HIV/aids-free generation,” Ramathuba said.
In conclusion, the MEC said the battle will be won.
“Government continues to play its part, however, the most important role in the fight against HIV/aids remains with us as individuals and members of the community. Drive the message for the people to play safe and take advantage of government’s provided condoms and we can only wish that these condoms are used correctly and consistently, and not wasted on the streets. Let us remember the ABC message: Abstain, Be Faithful and Condomise to protect ourselves and others.”