Press Room

 In honour of  Women-s Month, on the 13 August 2008, the Sisonke (We are All in This Together) Campaign will host a testing day for all men, including some popular South African celebrities to show their commitment to women by getting testing for HIV.  What better to way to say that men are committed to reducing the spread and impact of HIV than by knowing their own HIV status?

Theme of the campaign -I am not afraid to test,- the Sisonke Campaign is galvanizing a national men-s response and is calling on ALL men to come forward, be brave, and know their HIV status

The Sisonke (We are ALL in this Together) Campaign aims to galvanize a national men-s response to demonstrate commitment to women empowerment by testing for HIV. During this event, some popular male celebrities will conduct public HIV test to show their commitment to women-s health and honoring the Women-s Month.

On 28th April 2008, EngenderHealth South Africa-s Men as Partners (MAP) Programme will launch its 2nd Annual Men as Partners (MAP) Week, to motivate more men to take action in the reduction of the spread of HIV/AIDS and the prevention of gender-based violence.  Various national and community-based awareness activities will be implemented to motivate men throughout seven of the nine provinces. 

With the campaign theme of -I am not afraid to test,- EngenderHealth-s MAP Programme is calling on ALL men to come forward, be brave, and know there HIV status.  EngenderHealth is CALLING ON ALL LEADERS (political, religious, traditional, community, youth/student), as well as celebrities, athletes, artists, to show their strength by getting tested for HIV.  On the 28th April 08, a public display of testing will be occurring in Johannesburg, as part of the launching of a USAID/PEPFAR supported mobile testing unit - purchased to create a male-friendly HIV counseling and testing services for men. 

EngenderHealth-s MAP programme takes recognizes that gender stereotypes have a large impact on the spread and management of HIV.  Too often, boys and men are raised to be strong and tough; to not show weakness and not to ask for help.  Thus, seeking health care services such as testing for HIV or seeking a doctor when one is ill is perceived to the -unmanly.-  These same gender norms often encourage men and boys to have multiple sexual partners, to take risks on their lives, as well as not share emotions publically; based on a harmful view of -masculinity.-

Statistics indicate fewer men in South Africa are testing for HIV than women. Research suggests that this difference is due to fears amongst men that their HIV-positive status will be disclosed through testing, and that stigmatization will follow. Surveys also suggest that some men see no value in knowing their HIV status, viewing such knowledge as a burden. (UNAIDS WHO AIDS epidemic update 2005).  EngenderHealth conducted a study in Soweto during 2005 among men between 18 and 35 and the findings showed that -only 29 % of men have tested for HIV compared to 54 % of women- (Levack 2006) another study conducted in 2004 within 11 Soweto clinics indicated that.  -Only 37 % of HIV voluntary counseling and testing services were used by men while 63 % were used by women- (PHRU 2004)

EngenderHealth-s MAP programme works to counter the gender stereotypes, building the capacity of NGOs, government and individual gender activist to challenge these gender norms and build a healthier life for individuals, families, communities and the nation as a whole.   The actions of one person can go a long way towards creating a healthier life for all.

Join us in being a South African Leader -

Show your strength by getting tested and knowing your HIV status!

For more information and to be a part of the testing campaign, contact:

Supreme Mfalapitsa 073 669 0262/011 403 4625 mmfalapitsa@engenderhealth.org

Makgotso Chaane 072 028 8136/011 403 4625 mchaane@engenderhealth.org

Luck Ketlele 0843007478 ketlele@hotmail.com

Operating in over 40 countries worldwide, EngenderHealth is a global organization working to create a better for life for all.  For more information, check www.engenderhealth.org, EngenderHealth/South Africa-s Men as Partners programme engages men to be active participates in their communities, working to reduce the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS, as well as gender-based violence.  For more information, check www.iamapartner.org