EKURHULENI will step up the fight against HIV and Aids infection in the city.
In a statement issued by Themba Gadebe, spokesman for Ekurhuleni Metro, the city has been perceived to be an area with a high HIV prevalence, and it is during an Ekurhuleni HIV and Aids conference on Thursday and Friday that the reason for this will be provided.
The conference is themed Ekurhuleni Stepping up the pace against HIV and Aids and will focus on bringing together stakeholders from different sectors for a mid-term review of the city’s strategic plan on HIV and Aids, STIs and TB for the years 2012-2016.
Hosted by the Ekurhuleni Aids Council, this two-day conference will include stakeholders from local and provincial government, the private sector and non-governmental organisations.
“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, Clr Mondli Gungubele,” Gadebe said.
On the second day the representatives will break into commissions according to priorities set out in the strategic plan.
These include 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 and strategic enablers, effective and transparent governance, effective communication, monitoring, evaluation and research.
“The outcomes of the commissions from the meeting will be added to the metro’s plans for the upcoming year in pursuit of the global vision of an Aids Free Generation.”
The conference will be held at the Springs Customer Care Area main hall.
