Christmas is a time for families to bond with one another, unite and share in love, to support one another and also a time to plan a way forward.
It is for this important period that I would like to wish the staff of the department a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year and to thank them for their commitment to serve and providing quality health care for all.  Some communities must be commended for their role in the vigilant manner in which they have taken the fight against HIV/AIDS, their involvement in Hospital Boards and Clinic Committees in order to improve standards. The XDR and MDR TB patients must be encouraged to continue with their treatment in hospitals.
The Department will be taking the fight against HIV/AIDS to beaches during this festive season. People are encouraged to be responsible in their behaviour at this time as we take the fight against HIV/AIDS a step further.

The Madwaleni Hospital’s HIV multi-pronged programme must be encouraged and I commend them for driving the HIV programme to such levels. The programme must serve as a beacon of hope and to say to us that it can be replicated in other communities.
The retired nurses’ dedication has not gone unnoticed and their mentoring of current nurses shows dedication unmatched.
Once again enjoy the festivities. 

Mrs Nomsa Jajula
MEC of Health
Province of the Eastern Cape