MEDIA RELEASE 28 November 2006 A statement by the member of the mayoral committee for health, Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe on the occasion of launching the city's programme to commemorate the World Aids Day The City of Johannesburg will host a number of activities to commemorate the 2006 World Aids Day.. Our campaign's theme of accountability, with the slogan: 'Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise', was chosen in consultation with organizations of civil society to stress the importance of meeting the current commitments to increase the global response to AIDS and bring universal access to treatment, care and prevention by 2010. As part of the awareness campaign, the City's health officials and volunteers will be walking door-to-door in all the City's regions educating local residents about HIV and Aids in the run up to World Aids Day on 1 December. The door-to-door campaign was launched yesterday (on Monday 27, 2006) and will continue until 1 December. About 3 300 peer educators are conducting the door-to-door visits taking place at various areas – citywide between 9am and 3pm. The education will cover among other things: The importance of testing for HIV The Prevention of Mother To Child HIV Transmission The Anti-retro Viral programme as provided by government. – (This entails information about: What is ART, Where and How people can access the services, and How those living with HIV can be assisted to remain healthy and productive for longer periods). This method is seen as a more effective strategy in ultimately changing sexual behaviour that lead to acquisition and transmission of HIV and reducing stigma and discrimination of people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS in the community and at the workplace. Whilst 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. Through the guidance and leadership of his worship, Councillor Amos Masondo, the City of Johannesburg has taken an active stance in responding to the epidemic. Among other things, it has established a unit to deal with HIV and AIDS and also through the rolling out of a comprehensive AIDS strategy being implemented in all the regions through regional AIDS committees (multi-sectoral network of role players fighting against AIDS). The unit is collaborating across sectors and building partnerships in fighting HIV and AIDS. Partners include government departments, people living with HIV and AIDS, faith organisations, the traditional sector, NGOs, sport, media, civic, youth and other interested organisations. Our Jozi Ihlomile campaign has been driving, amongst other programmes: adopt a block – visit to families and households to provide support, education and ensuring relevant referrals. community education aimed at empowering members of the community. support people living with HIV and AIDS – this includes counselling, ART programmes, treatment as well as training volunteers. nutrition programme which focuses mainly on healthy food and nutrition. home-base care services with a lot of emphasis on looking after the sick. voluntary counselling and testing through partnerships that includes Family Health International, Right to Care, Mobile VCT Services and VCT promotion strategy. Indigent burials characterised by helping to bury individuals from extremely poor families. Other activities planned by the City of Johannesburg include: The City Of Johannesburg's partnership with AMAHA Kwaito Group will give food parcels to 600 families and children infected and affected by HIV and AIDS on the 1st of December 2006 as part of 4000 families and children affected by HIV and AIDS and identified as beneficiaries. Vulnerable Children's Christmas Party at Johannesburg Zoo on Saturday, 09 December 2006. (About 350 children will be hosted by the city) The workplace wellness HIV and AIDS forum will be involved in various activities marking the World AIDS Day 2006, 27 November – 01 December 2006: 1. Office-to-office campaign in all the regions and departments conducted by trained peer educators who are employees of the City of Joburg. Five hundred peer educators will be participating in various activities and get support of 00 Local Forum members from respective functional areas. 2. The office-to-office campaign from 27th to 29th November 2006 will culminate in the Mayors' centralised event, to be held at Ennerdale Stadium on the 1st December 2006. 3. On the 1st December 2006 we will be launching the peer educator's programme of the City and the Cities Network-SALGA AIDS Advise electronic portal at the Mayors' Ennerdale stadium event. 4. Regions and departments will host local World AIDS Day events. A detailed schedule of citywide activities for the workplace programme will be communicated in due course. 5. Region F (formerly Region 8 and 9) will hold a Roadshow on 7th December 2006. In conclusion, 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. Together we can contribute towards making Johannesburg and indeed all corners of this country better place for the community to live in. THANK YOU. Ends Issued by: Nthatisi Modingoane Media Liaison Officer CITY OF JOHANNESBURG Tel: (011) 407 7354 Fax: 403 3494 Cell: 082 467 9228 E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za