SOUTH AFRICA LAUNCHES 5-YEAR PLAN ON HIV, TB, STIS

PRETORIA, South Africa is launching a five-year National Strategic Plan to fight HIV, Tuberculosis (TB) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), to follow up with the program expiring this Friday.

The plan to be launched in Mangaung, in the Free State, draws on the vision of the United Nations program of zero new HIV infections, zero preventable deaths associated with HIV and zero discrimination associated with HIV, SA News reported.

It is also in line with the World Health Organization’s goals for reducing TB incidents and mortality.

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 launch the plan.

The Deputy President 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.

In a statement on Thursday, Cabinet said that South Africa’s response to HIV and TB epidemics means that the average South African now lives nearly a decade longer than they did in 2004.

Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK

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