NEW HIV CAMPAIGN GATHERS PACE

On 8th April President Jacob Zuma took an HIV test and used the opportunity to reiterate his call for widespread testing and an end to the stigma associated with the epidemic. His words underscored just how far the government has come in dealing with HIV&AIDS head on after years of ambiguity.

In 2001, then President Thabo Mbeki said he would not take an HIV test because he did not believe that publicity stunts help in addressing the health needs of the South African people. This month, however, we saw just how effective such a symbolic action can be. Following his HIV test President Zuma addressed the common fear of knowing one’s HIV status:

“The HIV tests are voluntary and they are confidential. We know that it is not easy. It is a difficult decision to take. But it is a decision that must be taken by people from all walks of life, of all races, all social classes, and all positions in society. HIV does not discriminate."

The new campaign will run until June 2011, the end of the current national strategic plan on HIV&AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. The long-term campaign objectives are to mobilise people to know their HIV status, support people with key prevention interventions to take proactive steps to a healthy lifestyle irrespective of HIV status, increase the incidence of health-seeking behaviour, and increase access to treatment, care and support services. To ensure the success of this ambitious initiative, the campaign has been designed to roll out progressively, starting in nine focus districts - one per province - and moving in succession to nine new districts every two months. This will continue until all of South Africa's 52 health districts have been covered.

Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS, believes that South Africans are already responding positively to the new impetus by government to deal effectively with AIDS. “The government and civil society groups are talking and working together. Academics and activists are engaging in evidence-informed discussions with officials to make the right choices about HIV programmes. The government has shown its seriousness by investing more than $1billion (R7.3billion) in the AIDS response this year.

People can feel the difference. The international community can feel the difference. There is fresh enthusiasm to act and to save lives. Truly, South Africa is showing leadership and taking responsibility.”

In the run up to the FIFA World Cup, soccer stars have also been pulled in to support the drive against AIDS. David Beckham, after meeting HIV-positive pregnant women and new mothers at a Cape Town clinic in his capacity as UNICEF goodwill ambassador, said one of the counselors told him more men need to support their partners to get treatment and care. "I hope that I can do my bit to help promote this message ... and that men out there hear this and do their bit," Beckham said.