Khayelitsha Eastern Sub-Structure (KESS) from the Western Cape Department of Health together with other local organisations celebrated World Aids Day in style as they held a peaceful march from Khayelitsha District Hospital (KDH) to Harare police station and Khayelitsha Magistrate Court to handover the memorandum with their grievances on Thursday 1 December.
The event aimed to commemorate those who died of HIV/Aids. KESS director James Kruger described the occasion as an annual event.
He said the Health department is trying to forge ties with other government institutions and local organisations to fight a stigma against Aids.
"Also we want to ensure that we stand together to fight against gender-based violence (GBV). We are saying no to women and children abuse," said Kruger.
He stated that they want to build a sold relationship with the police.
Khayelitsha Health Forum chair Mzanywa Ndibongo said they are fully supporting the programme. He urged the community to unite against GBV.
"GBV affects both genders. However, most men find it difficult to report GBV cases to police stations because the officers laugh at them. We need both genders to be treated equally," he said.
Ndibongo urged the people to prioritise their health. He said they must stop defaulting on their treatment.