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Caring together this World AIDS Day
Government AIDS Action Plan (GAAP) Press Release. 29 October 2003.
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The main theme for this year´s World AIDS Day (1 December 2003), is "Khomanani, Caring Together".
The government and its World AIDS Day 2003 campaign partners are aiming to motivate South Africa to act and make a difference by extending the support and care for their fellow citizens who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
The word "Khomanani" is a Tsonga word meaning ?‘caring together´. Through this theme and associated activities, World AIDS Day will continue to draw attention to the need for widening the support base to include all sectors of society in caring for individuals and communities who are afflicted with HIV and AIDS. This continues the global focus on stigma and discrimination as key obstacles in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
"By taking action to support those living with HIV and AIDS, we can all contribute to fighting the ignorance and fear which fuel the rapid spread of the virus. By so doing, we can hopefully begin to change our communities in order to protect ourselves and those around us from contracting HIV," says Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, the Minister of Health.
In the coming weeks, the government will outline the national plans for commemorating this year´s World AIDS Day in South Africa. Multi-faceted activities, undertaken in partnership with several large organisations, will focus on providing ways in which South Africans can extend a supporting hand to their fellow citizens.
The Minister said that many communities, non governmental organisations, community based organisations and other sectors are demonstrating that they can care together and support each other in managing the impact of HIV and AIDS within their locally relevant settings, and that a small effort can make an enormous difference.
"The government is supporting this process through the ongoing Khomanani campaign, which uses tested messages and international best practice to establish and grow prevention, care and support, voluntary counselling and testing and anti-discrimination activities countrywide. The core messages of two large Khomanani campaigns, Circles of Support and Positive Living, are reinforced by the "Khomanani, Caring Together" theme for this year´ World AIDS Day," the Minister said.
Circles of Support has been designed to channel the society´s assistance to orphans and vulnerable children and their families, and Positive Living binds all South Africans to the caring and support effort in the context of HIV and AIDS.
While there are many ways in which South Africans can show that they care, the Minister outlined a few activities, including: pursuing responsible behaviour and safe sexual practices; participating in the collection and donation drives (funding or tangible goods); helping with the maintenance of community facilities; empowering civil society by starting a support group; awareness raising/education through community meetings, talks, peer education; helping the caregivers; and planting a food garden in the community (call Food Gardens Foundation on 011 880 5956).
For additional ideas or help with organising World AIDS Day activities, individuals or organisations can call the AIDS helpline on 0800 012 322 or the Circles of Support Information Hotline (to support orphans and vulnerable children and their families) on 0860 222 777, or go to the government´s HIV and AIDS website, www.aidsinfo.co.za. |
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