THE work carried out by this sub-directorate is divided into two functions: social mobilisation and community support; and care and prevention.

One of the key aspects of the unit's social mobilisation programme is a multi-faceted approach involving input from several participants, including the Johannesburg Aids Council, regional Aids forums, ward-based structures, youth and women, community action groups, hostels, informal settlements and the Khomanani campaign.

It is involved with helping communities through setting up and monitoring support groups for those affected by Aids and by providing terminal care support. It also educates communities about HIV and Aids through awareness campaigns.

The care and prevention programmes of the sub-directorate include providing support to and monitoring the commercial sex workers project, funding non-governmental organisations, voluntary counselling and testing, community health worker programmes and European Union-funded programmes.

It offers clinical support for sexually transmitted infections and prevention of mother-to-child transmission. PCR testing (polemerase chain reaction) is a laborotary test used to diagnose HIV infection in exposed infants (infants born to HIV-infected mothers). Isoniazide (INH) preventive therapy is administered to prevent the progression of latent infection to active TB and to avoid the complications associated with HIV-related TB. Diflucan is indicated for the management of opportunistic infections in people with HIV or Aids.

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