New Aids committee members elected
KZN Premier has called on communities across KZN to mobilise themselves in the fight against HIV/Aids, STI’s and TB.
THE ward 64 Aids Committee (WAC) elected new office bearers at the Yellowwood Park civic hall on Tuesday, 14 October.
KZN Premier has called on communities across KZN to mobilise themselves in the fight against HIV/Aids, STI’s and TB.
The training session held from Monday 13 October to Tuesday, 14 October focused on helping the committee formulate an action plan where they will get people from grassroots level involved.
Deputy director for HIV/Aids units in the office of the premier, Phindile Xulu hosted the two-day training session with ward aids committee members. “This is very important. When you give people knowledge you empower them,” said Xulu.
The objective of the WAC is to reduce HIV/Aids infections by creating awareness and monitoring. The WAC will help fight stigma related to HIV/Aids, offer family support, and uphold human rights.
The newly elected members of the WAC are Chris Mhlongo (Secretary), Zanele Sibiya (Deputy chairperson), Debra Sibiya (Deputy secretary), Zanele Maphumulo (Tresurer) and Siboniso Nzimandi (PRO).
Ward 64 councillor Billie Prinsloo is the chairman of the WAC. “The formation of this committee is important because of the high rate of infection in KZN which can be reduced through awareness campaigns and education and monitoring. People do not openly talk about HIV/Aids because of the stigma, and the planned action campaigns will enable interaction with members of the community to achieve the objectives,” said Prinsloo.
Prinsloo will facilitate implementation of the planned campaigns through the existing structures such as the CPF, OSS and ward committee, with the assistance of provincial departments and municipal departments.
Anyone who wants to get involved in the ward aids committee can contact Billie Prinsloo on 031-462-3038.
