The Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH) recently observed 16 Days of Activism for No Violence on Women and Children and the launch of the Bekkersdal Clinical Forensic Medical Services Facility.
“On Monday we observed World Aids Day, the GDOH lead the Gauteng Provincial Government on a campaign in the West Rand, where MECs, government leaders, civil society, faith based organisations and other groups embarked on a community in action activation that was focused primarily on creating awareness with the community of Kagiso”, states Philani Mhlungu, Media Liason officer for Health MEC.
The opening of the Bekkersdal Clinical Forensic Medical Services Facility will, according to the Department, increase their capacity in the provision of clinical medico-legal services that are provided to meet the health needs of the patients and support the criminal justice system. These specialised services provide healthcare to patients of sexual assault and domestic violence.
“While significant inroads have been made in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic over the past few years, specifically as it relates to managing the disease, HIV remains stubborn thus requiring concerted efforts by government, civil society, communities, faith based organisations and other stakeholders be made to eliminate it in our lifetime. In the same way that an HIV-free future is possible, so is a future that is without violence and abuse especially on women and children”, continued Mhlungu.
Members of the public are encouraged to go to the nearest health facility within 3 days after the assault of rape where they will be treated and be given Post Exposure Prophylaxis. This treatment is given to patients of rape in order to reduce the risk of contracting HIV.
