EGPAF-South Africa Launches Children’s HIV Counseling and Testing Campaign

July 8, 2010

Johannesburg, South Africa—The Foundation, in partnership with the South African government’s Department of Health, has launched an HIV counseling and testing (HCT) campaign targeted specifically at children, especially vulnerable and orphaned children. This comes as the Department of Health, through its HCT campaign, aims to test about 15 million South Africans – including children of all ages – by 2011.

The EGPAF campaign was launched on June 22, 2010, at the CHANCE premises in Duduza, Nigel East Rand. CHANCE is a community-based organisation that looks after 84 orphaned and vulnerable children ranging in age from 2 to 14. In addition to the children, about 40 caregivers were offered HIV testing and screening for blood pressure and cholesterol. The children were also assessed for malnutrition.

There were a number of fun activities for the children attending, including a clown, jumping castles, soccer games, and basketball.

EGPAF staff members were there to conduct the counseling, deliver diagnoses, and refer those who need treatment. Those who were diagnosed HIV-positive were referred to a local clinic, Nokuthela Ngwenya, for treatment.

The campaign was also aimed at educating children about sexuality issues, including ways to prevent transmission of HIV.