Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa supported by the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe, and Members of the Executive Council, will on Friday, 31 March 2017, launch the National Strategic Plan on HIV, TB and STIs (2017-2022) in Mangaung, Free State.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), a voluntary association that includes; government, civil society and all other stakeholders committed to drive an enhanced country response to HIV, TB and STIs.

The launch of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) is one of the highlights of the TB month which is commemorated annually across the globe to raise awareness about Tuberculosis (TB). The NSP is the strategic guide for the national response to HIV, TB and STIs in South Africa. One of the objectives of the Plan is to intensify focus on geographic areas and populations most severely affected by the epidemics.

This Plan is usually developed for a period of 5 years, and the current one is coming to an end on 31 March 2017. The slogan of this new NSP is, “Let Our Actions Count” which is a call to action for all South Africans to play a party in achieving the goals of the Plan.

This year the government is targeting mainly leaders of society such as Parliamentarians, Members of Provincial Legislatures, Councillors, Traditional leaders, Business leaders, Religious leaders and civil society to commit themselves in the fight against these epidemics and to engage their communities and constituencies.

Media is invited to cover as follows:

Part 1: Launch of the Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) 9 month regimen
            Time:             08h00 - 09h30
            Venue:           Pelonomi Hospital, Bloemfontein
          
Part 2: Formal Launch of the NSP and Panel Discussions
            Time:             10h00 - 12h00
            Venue:           Clive Solomon Stadium, Bloemfontein
                      
Part 3: Community Activations/Engagements
            Time:             13h00 -13h40
            Venue:           Hoffman Square, Bloemfontein

For enquiries and accreditation please contact, Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Kanya Ndaki on 0832986100