Our Women and Children - the Key Focus for World AIDS Day

"Our goal for this year's World AIDS Day campaign is to expand the response to HIV and AIDS by focussing on Orphans and Vulnerable Children and the role played by Women and other members of the immediate or extended family in providing the nurturing and care that all young people need," said Ms Thami Skenjana, Director of the Government AIDS Action Programme.

"We will also be showcasing best practice by community organisations and the kind of help they provide to support the carers and help them survive the enormous stress and suffering that HIV and AIDS often impose. It is an opportunity to celebrate those who have found a way to care in the most difficult circumstances. Through showing the nation the best of our real life stories of compassion, we hope to inspire others to achieve things they never thought possible."

The theme provides space to focus on the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and children, in particular. In South Africa and elsewhere, women are in great need of support as they are the primary care givers to all others infected or affected by HIV and AIDS.

The World AIDS Day Campaign will facilitate links between families and groups in need and organisations that can offer assistance. It will also strive to promote more equal access to care and support, and it will emphasise the importance of a family unit - in all its different forms that are found in South Africa - in preventing new infections, providing care for those infected and achieving effective treatment of TB and other AIDS-related conditions.

Ms Skenjana said that World AIDS Day activities would encourage involvement at all levels and would create opportunities to enhance family and community relationships.

The national event to commemorate World AIDS Day will take place on Wednesday, 1 December in Cape Town. The programme will feature presentations by civil society organisations that assist women and children and cultural performances by local groups.

For further information on HIV and AIDS, public can call the 24-hour confidential AIDS Helpline on 0800 012 322 or visit www.aidsinfo.org.

Issued on behalf of the Khomanani campaign and the Department of Health

Contact: Ms Thami Skenjana 012 312 0151 / 082 889 6345
By Meropa Communications tel 011 772 1000
Contact: Priya Maharaj 082 921 6442/ Tebogo Matlou 083 435 0957