SA officials gear up for HIV tests

Johannesburg – South African government officials and celebrities will take part in voluntary HIV counselling and testing session at the Germiston Civic Centre on Friday, the Ekurhuleni municipality said. This was in line with the launch of “Knowing My HIV Status Kuyaphilisa (Keeps Me Alive)” campaign aimed at encouraging the living of a positive lifestyle, Ekurhuleni municipal spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said on Thursday. “The issue of voluntary counselling and testing remains a major issue if we are to ever win the struggle against HIV and Aids,” said Dlamini. Well-known musicians, celebrities, politicians and senior council management will take part in voluntary HIV counselling and testing at the centre. The project also aimed to reinforce and increase public understanding of risks and available prevention measures. “This will help people understand that there was hope in living with HIV and Aids, through education and counselling,” said Dlamini. In a bid to reach out to HIV and Aids “hot spots” in Ekurhuleni, the municipality joined forces with the Gauteng department of housing in their education drive through road shows, said Dlamini. “The places to be visited are areas which were identified as hot spots in the struggle against HIV and Aids. The council sees this as a great opportunity to take our services down to the people who need them the most,” said Dlamini. – Sapa