New initiative to fight Aids

Lynn Williams

IN a renewed bid to fight the HIV/Aids pandemic in the Kouga region, a new committee has been formed.
The Kouga Local Aids Council was elected during a meeting at the Humansdorp Cultural Centre, to replace the old defunct structure.

The meeting comprised Kouga councillors and officials, various representatives from ward committees, youth structures, NGOs, clinic committees, faithbased organisations and government departments.

The national Department of Health has set targets for district municipalities to reduce the spread and socio-economic impact of HIV/Aids.

According to a Kouga municipal agenda, the objectives of the district are to reduce the impact of new infections by 50%.

They want to reduce the impact of HIV/Aids by expanding access to and offering an appropriate package of treatment, care and support to 80% of all people diagnosed in the district.

Between September last year and March this year, 6647 people were "pre-test” counselled.
Altogether 6379 were tested for HIV, of which 578 tested positive.

Local Aids Council chairwoman, Councillor Thandeka Maseti said it was a relief that stakeholders had shown such enthusiasm towards the revival of the structure.