Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - November 20, 2008
The government today called on South Africans to participate in activities aimed at raising awareness about HIV and Aids.
"HIV, Aids and TB [tuberculosis] remain national priorities requiring urgent action by all sectors of society," government spokesman Themba Maseko told a media briefing following Cabinet's regular Wednesday meeting.
World Aids Day would be observed on December 1, marking its 20th anniversary, under the theme "Stop Aids: Leadership and Unity".
The national event would be held at the Sahara Stadium in Durban and would be addressed by Deputy President Baleka Mbete.
Events would also be held in other provinces to observe the day.
"Government, in partnership with the South African National Aids Council (SANAC), calls on South Africans to participate in activities that are aimed at raising awareness about HIV and Aids," Maseko said.
Government programmes were already in full swing to implement the national strategic plan.
These included measures to ensure that all mothers with HIV remained healthy, all babies were born free of HIV, increasing access to antiretrovirals (ARVs), promoting healthy lifestyles through reducing sexual partners and using condoms, knowing your status, and ensuring that children from households affected by HIV and Aids were protected and supported to complete their schooling and were protected from all forms of abuse and neglect.
The government also called for public support for the 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children campaign by participating in activities to raise awareness against women and child abuse.
"This is the time for everyone to take a stand," Maseko said.
The campaign would take place from November 25 to December 10 and was formally launched on Monday.
A special launch ceremony, also to be addressed by Mbete, would be held on November 22 in Beaufort West in the Western Cape.
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