Hon members, both traditional and religious leaders are represented in the SA National Aids Council, Sanac, and participate in all the deliberations of the council and its programmes, including World Aids Day events and the national HIV counselling and testing campaign.
Traditional leaders have been integrated into the work of the Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal, KZN, and through the medical male circumcision campaign that was mandated and launched by His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini. As recently as last month, the House of Traditional Leaders reaffirmed its commitment to campaigning against HIV and Aids, and resolved to participate in the various programmes implemented in their areas of jurisdiction.
The issue of gender equality is a broad social issue that impacts on health, but is not exclusively a health issue. Civil society, community leaders and other government departments also have a role to play. Sanac includes the women's and men's sectors that have as their objective changing gender roles and addressing gender inequalities. Working with nongovernmental organisations, Sanac participated in the launch of the Brothers for Life campaign, which seeks to make men more responsible for ensuring an equal society.
The medical male circumcision campaign in KwaZulu-Natal also focuses on the roles and responsibilities of men. Young men are taught these responsibilities in the province, including far rural areas, by community leaders and elders. It is hoped that such programmes will decrease the incidence of gender-based violence and sexual assault.
The lifespan of the current HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan ends at the end of 2011. The idea is that a new plan will be developed through a consultative process during the course of 2011. Thank you.