Introduction
Established as
part of the comprehensive response to HIV and AIDS in the province of
the Eastern Cape, the Eastern Cape AIDS Council has been mandated to
advise the provincial government in all matters pertaining to HIV and
AIDS, coordinate all HIV and AIDS programs by various sectors to ensure
a multisectoral response to the pandemic.
Operating in a vast Eastern Cape Province, the ECAC needed
well experienced, skilled, innovative Secretariat and leadership to
carry out the mandate and the objectives of the Council, with reversing
the spread of HIV and AIDS being the ultimate goal.
The
Secretariat has been tasked to coordinate, mobilize organs of civil
society, government and business behind a common Plan of Action, the
Provincial HIV&AIDS multisectoral Plan through effective
communication with all relevant stakeholders.
With five
programs such as: Planning and Coordination, Social Mobilization,
Communication and Advocacy and Research, Monitoring & Evaluation,
Multisectoral Support Programme creating an environment with infected
and affected people having full access to relevant support services,
reducing numbers of new infections, reducing numbers of deaths caused
by AIDS related illnesses, up scaling access to life saving treatment,
living a life free of stigma, discrimination and hatred, is the passion
driving the ECAC.
The rhythm of dedication and
commitment of the Council members dovetailed with a mission to promote
a coordinated and combined effort of working towards alleviation of
social, economic, cultural and political challenges resulting from the
pandemic defines the commitment of the ECAC to the cause.