Pretoria - Nurses are important pillars in the national effort to build an Aids free country by 2030, says Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Deputy President on Monday commended the role nurses have played in fighting HIV/Aids as the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) celebrated its 20th anniversary.
“The nursing profession has been at the forefront of the major turnaround in the fight against HIV/Aids… As we speak, our nurses are implementing the World Health Organisation’s new Universal Test and Treat guidelines.
“Because of your devotion, we are confident that by 2020 we will reach no less than 90% of all people infected with HIV and TB and initiate them on treatment.
“Our vision of an Aids free world by 2030 depends greatly on you. I do not believe that we will be able to reach an Aids free South Africa without your participation, contribution and commitment,” said Deputy President Ramaphosa at the commemorative event held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
To reduce the alarmingly high levels of new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women aged between 15 and 24, the Deputy President said health facilities must be sites of empowerment, where young people feel comfortable.
“We must provide those who are engaging in sexual activity with condoms to protect themselves and to prevent unwanted pregnancies. We must encourage men to circumcise and condomise. We must provide them with information and advice.”
Improving working conditions
The Deputy President said the challenges that hinder the improvement of working and living conditions for nurses must be openly confronted.
“We must find lasting solutions to safety risks, severe shortages of staff, long hours of work and low morale, which impact not only on our nurses, but also on the quality of care that patients ultimately receive.
“We urge all stakeholders to work together to address outstanding issues on the occupation-specific dispensation and other matters of concern to nurses.
“As national government, we are committed to meeting our obligations and fulfilling our responsibilities,” said Deputy President Ramaphosa.
Tribute to Madiba, Castro
Health Deputy Minister Joe Phaahla used the platform to pay tribute to former President Nelson Mandela, as today marks three years since his passing. President Mandela was remembered by Denosa members, especially for having launched the organisation on this day five years ago.
The Deputy Minister also paid tribute to the late Cuban President Fidel Castro, who was laid to rest on Sunday.
He said President Castro opened the doors of cooperation between South Africa and Cuba, and today there are many Cuban doctors and engineers serving South Africa. Many South African students are also studying in Cuba due to the cooperation between the two nations.
“We have over 3 000 medical student in Cuba, who are training to be doctors. They will come back to South Africa to serve the country,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
