Harare - 13 October 2009 - Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS) in partnership with the Matabeleland AIDS Council (MAC) will, on Thursday, the 15th of October, launch an HIV information kiosk in Plumtree to respond to the HIV information needs of people in Matabeleland South province.

The kiosk, which will be launched under the theme, “Taking HIV information to the people,” is expected to bridge the information gap between urban and rural communities and to enable people in this part of the country to respond to HIV and AIDS in an informed manner.

“SAfAIDS realises that even though a substantial amount of HIV literature on HIV has been produced over the years, very little of it has been reaching rural and remote communities,” said Mrs Lois Chingandu, the SAfAIDS Executive Director.

She also noted that there was a gap in HIV information suitable for children in the country. “Too often, TB and HIV information for children is not available. What is available is not suitable or accessible to children, and we hope to address this through the information kiosk, which will be deliberately running programmes for young people in an effort to keep them informed”.

Lack of access to basic TB and HIV information by marginalised communities has been identified as a crucial factor in the spread of HIV.

The information kiosk will have a section where children can access information as well as video viewing facilities where children can view educational videos on HIV and TB issues. Weekly discussion forums on topical issues around HIV and AIDS will also be held.

The kiosk is being launched at a time when more and more children born with HIV are growing to adolescence and adulthood. There is need for children to access information at an early age so that they are better informed and make the right decisions about their health and their future.

For more information please contact
Beatrice Tonhodzayi or Joshua Chigodora
17 Beveridge Road
Belgravia
Harare

Tel: 263-4-336193/4

e-mail : beatrice@safaids.org.zw or joshua@safaids.org.zw

You can also visit the SAfAIDS website www.safaids.net or the Media Resource Desk website on www.mediaresourcedesk.org