Deputy Speaker, the ANC-led government continues to raise awareness about the sexual and reproductive health rights of women, and to strengthen the enforcement of these rights by ensuring that they are incorporated in the broader health programmes.
The ANC-led provincial government of KwaZulu-Natal has launched a campaign called the Phila Ma Project. This initiative is aimed at raising awareness and educating women about cervical cancer.
The Department of Health chose to launch the campaign officially in the Amaoti community hall. This area is one of the poorest areas in KwaZulu- Natal and the high poverty rate shortens the lifespan of women. During the day, the women of Amaoti and the surrounding communities were given free cervical cancer screening. These services are to be rolled out throughout August as part of the Women's Month programme. The ANC will accelerate the campaign of health promotion and disease prevention by changing values and norms through community action. Furthermore, communities will be encouraged to adopt healthy diets and exercise, and take part in the campaign against drug and substance abuse. Thank you. [Applause.]