South African Bank Launches Campaign to Collect Spare Change to Help Children Affected by HIV/AIDS
The South African bank Absa has launched a nationwide campaign to persuade South Africans to donate spare change to help children who have been affected by HIV/AIDS, the Xinhua News Agency reports. Absa will place bins in its branch offices to collect coins and other donations, which will be used to help children who are either HIV-positive or whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS. The campaign, which bears the slogan "We need change. Let's make a difference together," will be advertised through radio, television and print ads. "Through the campaign we want to create widespread awareness of HIV/AIDS and focus on the prejudice and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Large corporations such as Absa have an educational role to play. We can create awareness and influence public perceptions regarding HIV/AIDS," Gail Campbell, general manager for corporate and social investment at Absa, said. The bins will remain in Absa branches until Jan. 15, 2003 (Xinhua News Agency, 11/18).
Gauteng Province Launches Public Awareness Campaign
The health department of Gauteng province has launched a "massive" public awareness campaign designed to inform people about the availability of HIV testing. Volunteers will go from door to door telling people about the benefits of HIV testing and counseling; how to access HIV testing and counseling; the availability of antiretroviral drugs to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission; and how post-exposure prophylaxis antiretroviral regimens can help prevent HIV infection. Approximately 10,000 volunteers are expected to join the campaign, and provincial Health Minister Gwen Ramokgopa joined the effort yesterday, according to health department spokesperson Thabiso Peo. The campaign aims to serve as a "build up" to World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 (Mohapeloa, BuaNews/AllAfrica.com, 11/18).