Private sector supports HCT campaign

“The private sector estimates that about 6.5 million citizens will be reached by them as part of the 15 million target set by government. We are investing several hundreds of millions of rands on the administration of the tests,” said Len Deacon, CEO of Len Deacon & Associates, who is “inspired and excited” about the opportunities that lie ahead.

The private sector is committing a large part of the expenditure on employers, of which 2,8 million tested, are not insured by private medical schemes.

“Many organisations and business leaders are joining hands to ensure that people are tested and treated for HIV/AIDS,” Deacon said. The South African Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (SABCOHA), which includes the country's leading medical aid schemes, is fully behind the HCT campaign.

The government hopes that increased testing will help curb the rate of new infections. Over 1200 people become infected with HIV every day in South Africa and close to 11% of the total populations are living with HIV. The average life expectancy has dropped from 60 in 1994 to below 50 today.

“If people know they are carrying the virus they must do all they can to protect others from contracting it. Infected people must become proactive and be encouraged to seek help before they become desperately ill,” said Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi when he announced the campaign.

“Government and the private sector owe it to the memory of Deputy Health Minister Molefi Sefularo to continue in their efforts to transform the health sector in the country,” Deacon said.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Minister Sefularo,” he said. “He was passionate about ensuring that people in South Africa received treatment for HIV/AIDS. I really encourage all South Africans to support the work he started by taking part in the government's HCT campaign.”

Deacon has also called on businesses to work together to ensure that the necessary systems are in place to make the campaign a success.

“We also have to agree on a tariff with all providers who are involved to make sure it is cost effective,” he said. “We have to work together for the future of our country.”