Encouraging the use of condoms, the prevention and early treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) are key interventions in the fight against HIV and Aids in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ).
In an effort to promote the HIV, Aids and STI prevention, a programme known as the combination prevention strategy is being promoted.
This strategy combines two or more proven HIV prevention methods to reduce the risk of becoming HIV positive, contracting STIs or infecting your partner.
To this end, STI/Condom Week campaigns were conducted nationally from February 10 to 16.
The CoJ’s health department also planned a number of activities to improve residents’ knowledge about HIV, Aids, and STIs.
Various dialogues and one-on-one education campaigns at various locations within the CoJ were held to inform residents.
“During the activities, community members were educated on behaviours and actions that create, enhance and perpetuate the risk of acquiring HIV,” said Ms Nonceba Molwele, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development in the CoJ.
“The key focus was on addressing social and structural barriers that increase the risk vulnerability to HIV, STIs and TB infection; preventing new HIV, TB and STI infections; sustaining health and wellness; increasing the protection of human rights and improving access to justice,” said MMC Molwele.
Maintaining awareness of one’s HIV status through regular HIV testing (annual or more) is considered to be an important entry point to a comprehensive package of care for HIV, Aids and STI prevention and treatment.
“In an effort to reduce the number of new HIV and STI infections, the CoJ is offering free male and female condoms, HIV counselling and testing, medical male circumcision (at selected facilities), antiretroviral drugs to pregnant women to prevent transmission to their unborn children, STI partner notification notices and post exposure prophylaxis after exposure, or possible exposure, to HIV. The CoJ has trained a number of staff members to offer the health for men programme, which specifically focuses on sexual health for men. For those already infected, all clinics in the CoJ offer free treatment for STIs, TB and antiretroviral therapy,” said MMC Molwele.
The Jozi Ihlomile HIV and Aids door-to-door education programme is also offered in 50 wards in the CoJ.
The community can access the free services at all Primary Health Care clinics in the CoJ.
