The City’s Urban Renewal Programme, City Health and the Department of Social Development, aided by the YMCA, will host the third annual HIV/AIDS open day on Friday, 3 September from 09:30 to 13:00 in Mitchells Plain.

The event will feature exhibits by various organisations that offer HIV/Aids, TB and/or substance abuse services, and the public can take advantage of free counselling and testing for HIV. TB and substance abuse exhibits will be at the venue to show how both diseases are interrelated to HIV/Aids. Many drug addicts share needles, thereby unwittingly passing on the HI virus. HIV develops to full blown Aids if not managed, which causes the breakdown of the immune system, making carriers more prone to illnesses such as TB. People must be able to recognise the symptoms of TB, which include a chronic cough with blood-tinged sputum, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. When people don’t know where to go they can call 0800 HELP 4U (4357 4 8), a 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Helpline.

The programme for the day includes a welcome address by Ward Councillor Dennis Williams as well as talks led by various well known speakers in the HIV/Aids, TB and substance abuse fields.

Cornflower, Meadowridge, Yellowwood and Westend Primary schools will entertain the crowd with songs and dancing.

The event will be held in the open space in front of the Urban Renewal Office (Administration Block A, Northern Taxi Terminal, Town Centre). Parking will be available opposite Campwell Hardware.

Friday, 3 September is also International Day for people with disabilities, which is locally celebrated as Casual Day. The City urges residents to buy tickets on the Concourse level of the Cape Town Civic Centre or from any ABSA, Game, Dion Wired, Edgars, Jet, Game, Boardmans and CAN store. They are also available from participating welfare organisations.