Government, Religious Groups to Raise Awareness About HIV/Aids

BuaNews (Pretoria)

May 15, 2002
Posted to the web May 15, 2002

Edwin Tshivhidzo
Pretoria

Government and various religious groups will hold an Interfaith Candlelight Memorial service in Pretoria tomorrow, to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

The multi-denominational service, organised by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, will also commemorate people who died of AIDS and sensitize employees about religious groups that are actively involved in the fight against the pandemic.

Justice department's spokesperson Terrence Manase told BuaNews there would also be presentations on the dangers of HIV/AIDS.

He said delegates would also be encouraged to spread HIV/AIDS-related messages, such as the importance of practicing safe sex by using a condom, abstaining or remaining faithful.

'The fight against HIV/AIDS is the responsibility of all of us, not government alone,' Mr Manase said.

He explained that religious groups were the proper vehicles to effectively convey informative messages about the pandemic to the multitudes of their congregants.

Other government departments involved in the event include social development; arts, culture, science and technology; public service and administration; sports and recreation and trade and industry.

Among others, there will be speakers from the Buddhist, Christian, Bahai, Hare Krishna, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and traditional African denominations.

Justice and constitutional development minister Penuell Maduna and his deputy Cheryl Gillwald and director-general Vusi Pikoli, are expected to attend.