Ephraim Mogale launches Local Aids Council
MARBLE HALL
The Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM) has taken a giant step forward in the fight against the spread of HIV/Aids by launching the Local Aids Council (LAC).
The LAC was officially launched at the EPMLM Municipal Chamber in Marble Hall on Tuesday 26 September 2023.
The initiative that seeks to decrease new infection amongst the community was launched in terms of Limpopo Provincial Aids Council (LPAC) policy framework of 2023/2028 that was introduced by Premier Stanley Mathabatha.
The EPMLM LAC structure comprises of members from business, civil society sectors and government departments that are involved in the fight against AIDS across the length of the local municipality.
According to Percy Moagi, EPMLM Spokesperson, the LAC structure is chaired by EPMLM Mayor Cllr Given Moimana and Pastor Matsekoleng, who represents the faith based organisations, will be the deputy chairperson.
The LAC will also be formed by a Technical Committee chaired by EPMLM Municipal Manager, with a representative from Department of Health as the deputy chair as well as EPMLM Director of Community Service and other representatives from the municipality and sector departments forming the structure.
Moagi said the role of LAC is to advice the municipality on policy and programmed implementation on issues related to HIV, STIs and TB and make recommendations on overall policy and operational plan implementation.
Mayor Moimana furthered officially appointed all the members of LAC and encouraged them to work together to ensure that the structure is functional.
“We should meet regularly and present reports to the upper structures in line with the LPAC policy framework terms of reference” said the chairperson of LAC.
Meanwhile the LPAC held its quarterly meeting at the Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) Council Chamber on Thursday 21 September.
The meeting was seeking to evaluate the effectiveness of its campaign in the past quarter.
According to the Limpopo Provincial Government, whilst noting a significant decrease in child to mother transmission, it is worrisome that the province has not reached the required target of people who know about their HIV status.
Premier Chupu Mathabatha, who was present during the meeting, thanked members of the council, civil society forum, whose term will end in November 2023. Mathabatha applauded all role players and wished them well in their future endeavours.
