The metro has been perceived to have a high prevalence of HIV infections and the reason for this will be revealed at the Ekurhuleni HIV and AIDS Conference to be held at the Springs Civic Centre on Thursday and Friday.
Hosted by the Ekurhuleni Aids Council, the conference will bring together stakeholders from local and provincial government, the private sector and non-governmental organisations for a mid-term review of the metro’s strategic plan on HIV and Aids, STIs and TB 2012–2016.
Themed “Ekurhuleni stepping up the pace against HIV and Aids”, day one of the conference will include presentations by Dr Elizabeth Floyd from the Gauteng Department of Health, Ekurhuleni head of department for health Dr Gilbert Motlatla, as well as a key note address by the executive mayor of Ekurhuleni Clr Mondli Gungubele.
On Friday delegates will break into commissions according to the priorities set out in the strategic plan 2012–2016.
They are namely:
- Addressing social and cultural drivers of HIV, STI and TB prevention, care and impact.
- Preventing new HIV, STI and TB infections.
- Sustaining health and wellness.
- Ensuring protection of human rights and improving access to justice.
- Strategic enablers, effective and transparent governance, effective communication, monitoring, evaluation and research.
The outcomes of these commissions will be added to the metro’s plans for the coming year in pursuit of the global vision of an “Aids Free Generation”.
Details of the conference are as follows:
Date: November 13 and 14
Time: 8am to 4pm
Venue: Springs Customer Care Area Main Hall, corner Main Reef and Plantation Roads, Springs.
