South African Police Services, Soweto – 2010 Initiative

The South African Police (SAPS), in many instances, are the one state department that is seen repeatedly on television services across the world.

HIVSA, supported by the ANOVA Health Institute, are providing our services to the police men and women based at all 12 police stations in and around Soweto. With the influx of tourists and visitors into the area for the 2010 World Soccer, the SAPS including police reservists, will have many issues to contend with. HIVSA will be providing a one day workshop on HIV / AIDS and related issues to approximately 1200 police men and women.

It is essential that the SAPS have factual information on issues surrounding HIV / AIDS. Not only will this information benefit them as individuals & in the work place but will allow them to make the correct decisions when dealing with assaults, arrests, rape etc. They need to understand the issues and procedures of PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis which prevents HIV infection where a person may have been exposed to HIV), managing injuries where blood is evident and why people who are taking ARV medications need them on a daily basis. Included in the training is information on referral clinics and hospitals and foreign embassy contact details.

HIVSA is confident that this initiative will provide our police men and women with sufficient information on HIV / AIDS thereby supporting them in their interaction with the public and with international visitors.

HIVSA and ANOVA Health would like to acknowledge the excellent assistance of SAPS under the direction of Commissioner Ndaba (Cluster Commander – Orlando) in ensuring that our services reach the appropriate people.