DEPUTY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA’S ORAL REPLIES TO QUESTIONS IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, CAPE TOWN, WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2014
In view of the latest national survey by the Human Sciences Research Council which indicates that the knowledge levels and awareness of HIV protection among key population groups like the youth have slowly been declining, can he, as Chairperson of the SA National Aids Council, assure the country that a national communications campaign is to be launched in order to increase knowledge and awareness among young persons in particular, as part of our national response to (a) HIV/Aids and (b) tuberculosis?
REPLY
Honourable Member, the South African National AIDS Council deliberated on the findings of the HSRC report and in particular noted the findings, one of which points out the declining levels of knowledge. In response to this concerning finding, the SANAC Plenary took a conscious decision on the need to develop a comprehensive communications strategy. The SANAC Secretariat has been tasked with ensuring that a comprehensive behaviour change communication strategy is developed, costed and implemented through the various sectors and government departments.
It is important to highlight that there is on-going communication on HIV, TB and the social determinants thereof through other campaigns such as the ZAZI campaign which focuses on young women and girls – this campaign was launched in 2013. Another campaign to note is led by the men’s sector and addresses issues of violence against women and girls. These and other campaigns are spearheaded by their respective lead departments and civil society groups working closely with communities.
