LAUNCH OF HIV/AIDS RESOURCE CENTRE

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Mr S’bu Ndebele in conjunction with the KZN MEC for Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize and Petronet will officially launch the HIV/AIDS Resource Centre on Thursday, 10 October 2002 at the Impendle Taxi Rank, cnr. Pietermaritz and Pine Streets, Pietermartizburg commencing at 09h00. 

The KZN Department of Transport is proud of the fact that it has taken innovative steps towards addressing the serious problem of AIDS/HIV within the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. Several studies have revealed that, since it ferries people from place to place, transport is a potential catalyst in the transmission of HIV/AIDS. As a result, the transport industry has become actively associated with the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country. In cognisance of the fact that perceptions are rife within our communities that the South African transport industry - especially shipping, trucking and taxis - enjoys a "liberated" lifestyle, and is therefore arguably more susceptible to this pandemic than any other sector, the Department has moved swiftly towards curbing the disease.

One of the key components of the programme is the formation of Workplace Committees to take care of the welfare of staff within the various sectors of the transport industry. The Department is working in conjunction with the Department of Health and with Petronet to launch eight resource centres for the benefit of the taxi industry across KwaZulu-Natal. These centres will serve as the Taxi Rank Office for a particular region as well as an HIV/AIDS centre for HIV/AIDS counselling and testing.

All media are invited to attend. Please note picture opportunities.

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