GEMS joins SA TB Association in fight against TB and HIV

Monday, 2 November 2015

Tuberculosis and HIV-related illnesses are the two leading causes of death among young people in South Africa, according to the latest report by Statistics South Africa.

Of the 77 822 people below the ages of 35 who died in 2013, 10 962 died from TB, while 7 890 succumbed to HIV. Other viral diseases, which featured third on the list, accounted for 4400 deaths.

These staggering statistics have prompted South Africa's largest closed medical Scheme, the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Foundation to pledge their support for the South Africa National Tuberculosis Association's (SANTA) annual TB/HIV Funwalk. The event is intended to educate and build awareness around TB/HIV as the global population prepares for World AIDS Day on Tuesday, 1 December.

It will take place on Saturday, 28 November 2015 at the Elkah Stadium in Soweto under the theme "Zero New TB/HIV Infections, Zero Deaths from TB/HIV, Zero Stigmatisation".

"Every year, South Africa loses thousands of young people to TB and HIV, yet less and less is being said about these crippling epidemics. The South African Tuberculosis Association works in communities across the country, dispensing medical and nutritional support to those who are infected by TB and HIV," says Koma Ramontja, Chairperson of SANTA.
"Being at the coalface of these illnesses, we are extremely concerned about the alarming spread of TB and HIV and want to urge government and corporate South Africa to join us in managing these diseases."

GEMS has more than 687 000 members, effectively covering more than 1,84 million lives. It has an HIV/AIDS Disease Management Programme with various benefits to support those members affected by this illness.

 "As the preferred Scheme for public servants, it is important for us at GEMS to keep our members not only in good health, but physically fit and active. We hope to see GEMS members as well as members of the public coming together to declare war against TB and HIV," says Liziwe Nkonyana Executive: Communications and Member Affairs at GEMS.

"The incidence of TB and HIV in our communities are escalating but there is still a tremendous stigma surrounding these diseases. Through this fun walk, we want to educate the public and destigmatise the illness by allowing people to test on site, and gain information about TB and HIV so that they are more proactive about their health and wellness," adds Ms Nkonyana.
SANTA was formed in 1947 to establish SANTA branches, provide beds for TB patients and to offer care to TB patients and their families. Now, over half a century later SANTA continues its fight against TB/HIV AIDS, with an emphasis of reaching zero TB/HIV AIDS deaths, stigma and infections.

To enter the race, visit www.santafunwalk.org.za. Follow the race on www.facebook.com/santafunwalk   or www.twitter.com/santafunwalk #BeTheSolution and for more on GEMS visit their Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/GEMS1GEMOFASCHEME/  

Ends

Issued by Britespark Communications
On behalf of SANTA FunWalk
For more information, please contact
Rossey Nkutshweu or Noma Mbatha
Tel: (011) 315 0092
Mobile: 0791243706
Email: [email protected]  
For more information please visit www.santa.org.za or www.santafunwalk.org