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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 16 Mar 2008 Title: Men urged to be more visible in HIV, AIDS fight -------------------- Johannesburg - Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has called on all men in the country to stand up and be counted in the fight against HIV and AIDS. "Let us see real men speaking out about HIV and AIDS, being the first ones to take out condoms before a sex act, being the ones to encourage their partners to test and discuss the test results, being the ones to explain to the rest of the family about infant feeding choices for PMTCT babies. "Being the ones to say enough of this epidemic," said the deputy president, at the 4th Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) National Congress on Sunday. She said good men must not be silent on issues affecting women including HIV and AIDS, adding that when good men are silent, they become part of the problem. The deputy president also stressed the importance of the family in the fight against HIV and AIDS highlighting that awareness starts at home within the parameters of the family. "I believe that this country has the necessary supportive environment, as contained in our legal frameworks, the policies, the strategies, the organisational arrangements as well as the leadership and partnerships necessary to mount a robust response," she said. However, she said commitments expressed by the different role players needs to translate into tangible outputs. Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka also called on men's organisations to be more visible in the fight against women and children violence. "We need even more committed social mobilisation to stop this violence," she said. She said the recent Noord Street Taxi Rank incident, where a woman wearing a mini skirt was allegedly assaulted by taxi drivers and hawkers was worrisome and that these stereotypes are some of the things that needed to change. She thanked the TAC and other role players in the fight against HIV and AIDS, adding that government realised that the fight cannot be won without partners. "It is for this reason that we are grateful for the cordial relations that, even as we differ on one issue or the other, we are able to agree on the fundamentals that are necessary to move forward". - BuaNews |
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