NNP PRAISES GOVERMENT ON HIV/AIDS.
The New National Party praised the government's effort to fight HIV/Aids on Wednesday, after the opening of a special clinic for defence force members.
Spokesman Johnny Schippers said his party congratulated Defence Minister Mosioua Lekota for taking a "swift action" in the opening of the Phidisa Clinic after shocking infection estimates were released last year.
"With 20 to 22 percent of SA National Defence Force members being HIV-positive the opening of the clinic shows that the Department of Defence is genuinely committed to the fight against HIV/Aids," Schippers said.
He added the government took a "step in the right direction" and also urged defence force members to make use of the facilities and test for HIV.
Apart from treating the members and their families affected by HIV/Aids, he said, the clinic would also help in conducting clinical research for appropriate medical interventions.
The clinic was opened by Deputy Defence Minister Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, at One Military Hospital in Pretoria on Tuesday.
When she opened the clinic, Madlala-Routledge said its success depended on participation of the army personnel and their families.
"I therefore would like to encourage every member of the SANDF to test and know their status so as to get help and support. For those members who test HIV-negative, I encourage them to stay negative and to give support to their fellow combatants, men and women," she urged.
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21 Janvier 2004 à 15:33 dans
- zsandf (anglais)
