Pretoria - KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Belinda Scott has spoken on the importance of caring for the vulnerable as part of efforts to fight the scourge of HIV and Aids.
The MEC, in her capacity as uMgungundlovu District political champion, launched the district countdown for the 21st International Aids Conference 2016 in Impendle Municipality on Friday.
Speaking to the community at Gomane Hlelolusha Hall, MEC Scott said the HIV and Aids crusade focuses on caring for the vulnerable and orphaned children and adults in order to collectively fight the spread of the virus.
"During this crusade, we target local non-profit organisations that work with all vulnerable communities. We also donate items that they dearly need in order for them to sustain their work.
“In Impendle, we visited Khanyisani and Impendle Community Care Centre, which cares for the orphaned and vulnerable children. We donated children's books, school uniform, and a cooking stove, among others,” she said.
The initiative was undertaken in partnership with public and private sector stakeholders including the Department of Health and Future Life Foundation.
“We always emphasise that it is not a crime if you have HIV and AIDS, but we need those infected to use our health institutions to get help. We will be visiting all municipalities in uMgungundlovu District to preach the same message," said the MEC.
Impendle Mayor Sizwe Ndlela expressed concern that some pregnant women did not attend antenatal classes.
"Some of these women are HIV positive and they lose an important opportunity to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child. This is a grave concern for us," said the Mayor.
The MEC also visited two non-profit organisations in Stoffelton and Nzinga, where she donated uniform, two laptops and other equipment. – SAnews.gov.za
