Bongani Makhaya, manager at the Isizinda Sempilo Organisation said that the objective of the day was to mobilise the community of Dube and the surrounding areas on HIV/Aids Counselling and Testing (HCT), Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) and gender based violence.
He said it was also to bring the services closer to the people.
“We are happy as the people are coming for information and for us this becomes a better way of reaching our locals as we have one on one sessions with them which is more effective than them just seeing the ads on TV.
“In the previous weeks, the turnout in other areas was not as good, but we are pleased because in this area, people are able to spot us.
“Women are able to talk to their partners and brothers about such issues, hence we want them to be involved in starting these conversations of health,” he said.
Nomsa Mafika who is a coordinator of HCT said they believed it was important to go to the community as they give them knowledge, especially on MMC.
“We trust that this will make a difference in our communities and are encouraging people to know their status, whether negative or positive so they can make better choices.
“At times we are also finding that some people are informed about health issues such as MMC, but the old version and information changes, hence we encourage them to continuously read and ask for latest information,” she said.
The various departments present also conducted other health checks in addition to HIV/Aids counselling and testing.
GP Gangster Foundation’s Bafana Ndlovu thanked all who had partnered with them to make this event a success.
