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Gauteng Health MEC pays tribute to women?’s fight against HIV/AIDS

Gauteng Department of Health Press Release. 19 August 2003.
Gauteng health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa has commended women for their role in containing the spread of HIV/AIDS in the province as well as for caring and supporting those infected and affected by the disease.

Visiting the Friends for Life, a non-governmental organization involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Ramakgopa said nurses, midwives and women involved in home-based care NGOs and community based organization were making a contribution to making Gauteng a better place to live for women. She pointed out that the government?’s strategy on HIV/AIDS would not succeed without the involvement of women.

The MEC was accompanied by members of the Gauteng AIDS Council, including Gaby Mogomola and Mercy Makgalemele.

?“Throughout the province many dedicated women and their organisations have provided counselling, care and support to those infected. In our communities, many families have opened their hearts and their homes to those directly affected, especially children orphaned by HIV/AIDS,?” she said.

Makgalemele urged HIV-positive people to be self-reliant and not rely on the government for disability grants. ?“Being HIV-positive does not mean you are unable,?” she said. She called on community care givers to create an environment where HIV-positive people can easily admit to and talk about their status.

Reflecting on the Gauteng government?’s HIV/AIDS strategy, Ramokgopa said the government had a plan to support rape survivors. Last June the provincial government introduced a post exposure prophylaxis programme for rape survivors. A total of 2533 women have benefited from this programme.

The Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission Programme, introduced in 2001, has benefited 17855 women and 16458 children have already received Nevirapine.

The Gauteng AIDS Council meeting received a report back from the South African AIDS Conference held in Durban earlier this month and it discussed preparations for this year?’s World AIDS Day door-to-door campaign.

Last year the campaign drew 10 000 volunteers who provided HIV/AIDS education to 4,6 million people in 1,8 million homes.

This year, the campaign will focus on children and families affected by HIV/AIDS and more faith-based organisations will be included. Areas with least resources such as informal settlements, peri-urban areas, townships and the inner city will be prioritised.
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