November 29, 2006
By Lucky Sindane
MORE than 3 000 volunteers have joined Joburg's health officials on a door-to-door campaign to educate people about the HIV/Aids pandemic ahead of World Aids Day on Friday, 1 December.
The week-long campaign kicked off on Monday, 27 November. Themed Stop Aids: Keep the Promise, it aims to stress the importance of meeting commitments to increase the global response to Aids and to bring universal access to treatment, care and prevention by 2010.
Among other topics, it is focusing on the importance of being tested for HIV, the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission and the antiretroviral programme. It will educate people on antiretroviral treatment, where and how can people get medication, and how those living with HIV can remain healthy and productive for longer.
The City is planning various activities around World Aids Day
Matshidiso Mfikoe, the member of the mayoral committee for health, explained the impetus behind the campaign at a press briefing on 28 November. "This method is seen as a more effective strategy in ultimately changing sexual behaviour that leads to acquisition and transmission of HIV, and reducing the stigma and discrimination against people infected with and affected by HIV and Aids.
"While the campaign aims to increase the level of awareness and understanding, it is also attempting to market the available services to individuals and communities to increase utilisation of these services."
Other City projects aimed at combating HIV and Aids are the Social Development Food Programme and the Social Burial Package, as well as the Mayoral Aids Fund projects, Jozi Ihlomile and Joburg Buckets of Love and Care.
"We have been working with other role players, including traditional healers, non-profit organisations, community-based organisations, youth groups, faith-based organisations and officials from other departments," Mfikoe said.
The volunteers are knocking on Joburg doors from 9am to 3pm daily, until 1 December.
Activities around World Aids Day planned by the City of Johannesburg include:
- 27 November - 1 December: the workplace wellness HIV/Aids forum is holding various activities marking World Aids Day.
- 27 November - 29 November: there is an office-to-office campaign in all regions and departments conducted by trained peer educators who are employees of the City.
- 1 December: the City, in partnership with Amaha kwaito group, gives food parcels to 600 families and children infected with and affected by HIV and Aids.
- 1 December: the City launches its peer educator's programme and the South African Cities Network-South African Local Government Association Aids Advice electronic portal at a mayoral event at Ennerdale stadium.
- 7 December: Region F (formerly regions eight and nine) holds a road show.
- 9 December: about 350 children are invited to the City's Vulnerable Children's Christmas Party at Johannesburg Zoo.
- Regions and departments will host local World Aids Day events.
"The support and involvement of both the media and the public in this campaign demonstrates that tackling a complex challenge such as HIV and Aids needs more than government," Mfikoe said.
"Together we can contribute towards making Johannesburg and indeed all corners of this country a better place to live in."
Permission to use web site material
Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as:
- Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website
(www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency
(www.joburg.org.za)";
- If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original
article on this website;
- The name of the article's author is acknowledged;
-
The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill
in this brief online form).
Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 |
