On 15th April 2010 South Africa's President and Deputy President will officially launch the biggest HCT campaign ever undertaken in the country. An ambitious target has been set for 15 million people aged 12 years and over to be tested by June 2011. Government Ministers and Deputies will follow President Zuma's lead and be among the first in line for testing.
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has announced the 3 themes for the campaign:
I am responsible
We are responsible
South Africa is taking responsibility
As well as mass testing there will be an escalation of actions to prevent the spread of HIV. These include provision of information, education, improved STI detection, condom availability, male circumcision, safe blood transfusions, post-exposure prophylaxis for victims of rape and an attempt to eradicate mother to child transmission of HIV.
Testing will take place in all government hospitals and clinics, many pharmacies and on college and university campuses. As well as HIV testing, sites will offer checks on blood pressure, diabetes, haemoglobin and screening for TB. While all tests will remain confidential patients will be encouraged to disclose their status to friends and family, in a bid to counter stigma about HIV.
AVERT welcomes the escalation of HIV testing in South Africa. We particularly support the prevention message that Dr Motsoaledi is stressing in the campaign. The strategy will, however, need to be support by resources. Provision has been made in the national budget for the financial costs. Human resources are scarce in South Africa, however. While medical students will be involved in initial testing and thousands of health professionals are stepping out of retirement to help meet the HR gap we feel an opportunity to task shift, delegate and involve lay persons in the testing effort has been missed.
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