Deputy President Mabuza to officiate at the Official Launch of the UNAIDS Global Report in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal

Deputy President David Mabuza, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC), will on Tuesday, 16 July 2019, officiate at the Official Launch of the UNAIDS Global Report on the latest data on the HIV epidemic at the King Dinuzulu Stadium in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal province. 

Deputy President Mabuza attends the launch at the invitation of the Acting Executive Director of UNAIDS, Gunilla Carlsson. The event will be attended by representatives from government, traditional leaders, civil society and members of the surrounding communities. 

The report, to be launched at Eshowe, contains the latest information on progress and challenges in the AIDS response and highlights the enormous impact community health workers have in successfully expanding access to treatment, supporting adherence and preventing new HIV infections.
 
According to UNAIDS, South Africa and in particular the KwaZulu-Natal province was nominated out of the 193 United Nations Member States to host the official launch of this report in view of its remarkable and outstanding efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS. 
 
In line with the (90-90-90) UNAIDS targets, KwaZulu-Natal province in particular Eshowe, has already achieved the targets ahead of the 2020 deadline. 
 
In achieving the set targets, numerous activities were launched in partnership with the Eshowe communities and KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health to join efforts in preventing new infection, increasing HIV testing, linking people quickly to care and support their adherence, retention and suppression on treatment. 
 
The launch also takes place during the period when our country and indeed the entire world will be commemorating the Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July. 
 
In this regard, Deputy President Mabuza and the delegation will also have the opportunity to heed the call to action and take part in performing the 67 minutes out of their day to help those in need through volunteering and community service.
 
Deputy President Mabuza will be supported by the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province, Sihle Zikalala, Members of the Executive Council (MECs), Councillors and other senior government officials.

Members of the media are invited to cover the launch as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 16 July 2019
Venue: King Dinuzulu Stadium, Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal
Time: 08h00 - 14h00 
 
Media Programme:

Part A
Mandela Day Activations, KwaMondi Tribal Court 
Time: 09h00 - 11h00

Part B
Official Launch of the UNAIDS Global Report 2019 
Time: 11H00 -14h00
 

Media enquiries and accreditation please contact Sam Bopape on +27 82 318 5251

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria