People living with HIV to discuss challenges at conference

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Pretoria - About 300 people, including people living with HIV and AIDS, and health experts are expected to gather at the Gallagher Estate on Friday for the inaugural Positive Convention on Living with HIV and AIDS.

The conference, organised by well known HIV and AIDS activist Pholokgolo Ramothwala, who is openly living with HIV and writes an online column about living with HIV, will allow participants to address challenges they face and come up with solutions.

Themed "Positive Convention- it's about living with HIV and AIDS", the conference will focus on multiple aspects of living with the disease including social and personal challenges.

Discussions will include the role of people living with HIV and AIDS in HIV prevention programmes, managing one's health when living with HIV and AIDS and promoting a positive life style and self confidence amongst people living with the disease.

They will also include information on living with HIV and AIDS, including treatment and support issues, networking amongst people living with the disease, including professionals infected or affected and tackling issues of stigma and discrimination and encourage disclosure of HIV status.

During the convention, conference goers will also get an opportunity to interact with experts.

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, South African National AIDS Council Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nono Simelela, Constitutional Court Judge Edwin Cameron and Dr Mary Fanning, the Health Attach, for United States Embassy, are expected to address the convention.