|
|
 |
HIV-testing by Education minister welcomed
Johannesburg COSATU press release, July 9, 2002.
|
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) and the AIDS Consortium (an NGO coalition working on HIV/AIDS) welcomes the solidarity shown by Minister Kader Asmal and Barney Pityana principal of UNISA last week. The urgency of the disease and the devastation it is wreaking on educational institutions and our communities makes it imperative that we set aside differences (as shown by the two comrades) and work together to meet this gigantic challenge.
The two educational leaders took the HIV tests at the launch of the UNISA HIV/AIDS Centre on 4 July 2002, which we heartily welcome.
When leaders and role models in our societies take Voluntary Counselling and Testing [VCT] it assists in breaking the stigma around the virus, and also gives hope that with effective information - other strategies such as prevention, care and treatment - HIV/AIDS can be beaten! "Testing decreases HIV-related stigma and creates a more supportive social environment for people living with AIDS," the two organisations said in a statement.
Anyone interested in getting information on how to go about voluntary testing can contact the AIDS Consortium and AIDS Helpline 08000 12322. |
| Was this article helpful to you? |
 ?0%???? ?0%
|
|
Back
|
|
|
|
