Message:
FROM THE EASTERN CAPE AIDS COUNCIL
FROM THE EASTERN CAPE AIDS COUNCIL
THE Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC) is a
multisectoral body that advises the provincial
government in the Eastern Cape on HIV and
AIDS and Sexually Transmitted infections policy.
ECAC is guided in its work by the Provincial Strategic
Plan for HIV and AIDS 2007-2014 and the National
Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS.
AT LAST the year that we all have been waiting
for has arrived. The year 2010 is bringing different
things to different people of the world. To all South
Africans it is bringing the nonstop action of the World
Soccer Cup, it is bringing the world of football. In less
than six months we will be hosting guests from all
over the globe on our shores. It is for this reason that
the Eastern Cape Aids Council joins the party and
embraces the excitement that is to come.
However, as part of meeting National Strategic
Plan target of reducing new infections by 50% in 2011,
prevention of the spreading of HIV&AIDS should not
be forgotten in all this excitement. Already, the debate
is raging about legalising sex work during the 2010
World Soccer Cup.
Human trafficking is expected to
be on the increase and we urge parents to be more
vigilant.
It is a fact that children are used in sex work and
the pornographic industry. Domestic violence is also
on the increase.
The Eastern Cape AIDS Council would like to
call upon all South African citizens to play safe
and promote behavioural change. Parents should
encourage their children NOT to expose themselves
to the virus through risky sexual practices but abstain
and be responsible. Youth and adults alike should not
engage with multiple partners.
The newly established Christian magazine, LET’S
PRAISE is the right passage for us to warn our young
and old in our churches about the dangers that are
inevitable during the World Cup. We at the Eastern
Cape Aids Council support the establishment of this
magazine and we hope it is going to serve the needs
of the Christians. We hope it will inform, educate and
entertain our youth in a right way-the Christian way.
Once again we urge every South African to behave
in a manner that would minimize the spreading of
HIV&AIDS.
Together, we can!