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MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM DEPUTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA, WORLD AIDS DAY 2000
Fellow South Africans, as we mark World Aids Day today we are recommitting ourselves to intensifying the fight against this cruel epidemic.
This year's theme is "Men Make a Difference" This focus on men does not mean an end to prevention programmes aimed at women. The purpose is to strengthen our focus on men because we believe they can really make a difference in the war against HIV/AIDS.
We are making a clarion call to all South African men, as fathers, husbands and partners; let us protect our loved ones from the ravages of HIV/AIDS, by treating our partners with respect and heeding the prevention messages.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend you for the progress we have made so far in the fight against the disease. Estimates show that awareness levels are now over 90%, and the demand for condoms has increased from 250 million last year to 350 million this year. This indicates that the message is being heard and lifestyles are changing.
I would like to appeal to all South Africans, young and old, to remember the important prevention message: To Abstain, Be Faithful and Use a Condom.
I would like to repeat my call to fellow South African men: We can make a difference!
Working together, we can overcome the epidemic.
Issued by: The Presidency, 30 November 2000