By Clive Ndou

IN a bid to stem the tide of HIV and Aids and promote safe sexual habits, the local authority is embarking on a massive door-to-door campaign during the first week of December.

The campaign, which kicks off on Monday, 29 November, is part of the worldwide commemoration of World Aids Day.

The Metro has facilitated the training of 2,700 volunteers who will be conducting the campaign which will target 135,000 houses throughout the region.

Ekurhuleni Department of Health Executive Director Thobeka Tanga said the campaign would help demystify and remove the stigma attached to HIV and Aids.

"Volunteers will be talking in a frank and open way about the manner in which HIV and Aids is transmitted, and about how crucial it is to give love and support to those who are already infected.

"In addition, volunteers will be issuing HIV and Aids education material, condoms and also preaching the gospel of No condom no sex and one condom one round," she said.

The local authority hopes to strengthen community involvement and understanding on prevention and comprehensive care while at the same time conducting a research on people's awareness regarding HIV and Aids.

Tanga added that the Metro's campaign components involved selected special events, workplace focus, where coordinators would channel their focus on internal departments, publicity and advertising.

It is aimed at ensuring that individuals, children and families affected by Aids access the necessary service by linking them to them relevant service centres.

The focus is also to conscientise and educate the volunteers on community work and promoting a caring partnership within government and the community at large.

Source: BuaNews