The newly formed SANAC Private Sector Forum launched its strategy on 15 March in Johannesburg. The Strategy outlines how the sector intends to support the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs.
In the true spirit of multisectoral approaches, the hybrid launch was attended by government, civil society, business, labour movements and development partners.
Speaking at the launch, SANAC CEO, Dr. Thembisile Xulu said, “The launch of the PSF Strategy is a significant achievement that will enable SANAC to truly coordinate a multisectoral response to HIV, TB, and STIs. On behalf of the Secretariat and the greater SANAC Council, we welcome the Strategy, with its vision to provide a voice of the South African Private Sector united behind the pursuit of equality and an AIDS & TB free society, in support of the country’s National Strategic Plan for the three colliding epidemics.”
Cosatu President, Ms. Zingiswa Losi was one of the guest speakers at the launch and said better coordination is needed partners. She further emphasized the role played by SANAC as a key coordinator of HIV, TB and STIs response. “Better integration of the private sector in the overall health system will reduce duplication, ensure greater sustainability of service provision and ultimately lead to improved health outcomes. SANAC must bring together all stakeholders to renegotiate a social compact to defeat HIV in our lifetime.”
The chairperson of the Forum, Ms. Nompumelelo Zikalala officiated the launch of the strategy and made the following remarks, “The PSF’s mission is to unite all private sector players in South Africa, large or small, to meaningfully contribute to the country’s fight against HIV, TB and STIs. The inaugural Public Sector Forum strategic plan covers one year. This is because the launch of the forum occurred towards the end of the current NSP period (2017 – 2022). The subsequent Strategic Plan will cover five years congruent to the next NSP (anticipated to be from 2023 to 2028). This is to ensure alignment between the work of the Public Sector Forum and the agenda of the government, as detailed in the NSP.”
Ms. Zikalala concluded her speech by saying, “It begins with all of us today and together making sure that we do the work required to achieve an HIV-free society by 2030.”