Health workers mapping a way forward
Recently different stakeholders gathered to discuss issues around the issues of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD).
The gathering was also to map a way forward in areas of common interest. It was held on Wednesday, February 26.
Ms Trudy Xhala Mavimbela, Transversal manager in the office of the executive mayor explained how the local aid council headed by the executive mayor operates and reports to the district aids council and that reports to the provincial, which in turn reports to the national aids council headed by the deputy president of the country.
Home based groups, business and other organisation attended the gathering. The programm was held to explain about the issues of HIV, STI, condoms and other relevant issues. They shared problems and encouraged working partnership with each other. They also encouraged men and young women to attend such forums.
The program included HIV counselling and testing, condom demonstrations of female and male condoms. Information was handed out to all who attended and it was very informative.
The campaign aimed to promote safe and healthy sexual decisions by reducing social stigma surrounding condom usage, increase awareness of the importance of knowing your status by testing regularly, increase awareness of the availability of free and quality treatment in clinics.
The gatherings also discussed the issue of Sugar diabetis, cancer, high blood pressure and others.
“We need to test regularly, we need to share information, and we need to organise more workshops to empower each other. Health issues are very important and we need to discuss that within the community, in schools, churches and everywhere we can. We need church leaders, traditional leaders, traditional healers; in fact we need everybody on board. We need to follow programs to guide us,” said one of the organisers.
Ms Nomsa Mahlangu and Earnest Nkosi from New Start explained about their programs, which included male circumcision, HIV testing and counselling and other services that come as a package.
Anglo Thermal also represented and explained their wellness programs.
Sister Lorraine Fakude thanked all the participants and also encouraged partnership within all the stakeholders.
