Marking World Aids Day with SACTWU Worker Health Programme

We also heard from Nikki Soboil – National Director of the SACTWU Worker Health Programme, Tina Manchest – a Lay councilor, Bothwe Phakathi – a Nurse and Silke. The programme is about HIV/AIDS prevention & awareness among the Union members. It aims to empower them to make decisions about their own health. We will be talking about World Aids Day which is today. World AIDS Day has been celebrated since 1988. It is about increasing awareness of HIV and AIDS, education and fighting prejudice. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done. It is reported that in Sub-Saharan Africa, 22,4 million people were living with HIV and AIDS in 2008. More than 14 million children had lost one or both parents to AIDS. Although the HIV epidemic in South Africa appear to have stabilized, South Africa still has more people living with HIV than any other country. This year’s theme is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, recognising these as fundamental human rights. For more information contact Nikki on (021) 448 5263.