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HMCS CELEBRATES WORLD AIDS DAY

By Correctional Wheel | 2024-11-23

On Wednesday, His Majesty's Correctional Services successfully commemorated the World AIDS Day (WAD) under the theme Nkwe Corrections Taking the Rights Path to End AIDS."

Nhlangano Correctional Centre hosted the colourful event which attracted throngs of people around Nhlangano and surrounding areas.

The comme-moration commenced with a march from Nhlangano Town to the Correctional Facility. Leading the march was the Correctional Services Brass Band which was currently the country’s favourite following their mellifluous renditions.

Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, officers and offenders for ensuring that the day was a huge success.

Addressing the gathering, Dlamini said this was one of the most important awareness days which is related and speaks largely to the health of correctional officers and offenders who also double as members of the public.

She said this year's theme rings a reminder bell on the importance of upholding the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights and fostering inclusion of all communities, which are essential for ending AIDS, ensuring sustainable development, and ensuring human security.

Dlamini elaborated that the Correctional Services was tasked with the mandate of keeping in safe custody; inmates, some of whom spend numerous years within the Correctional Services.
As a result, the years spent by the inmates interacting and mingling with officers subsequently render them as one big community.

"As we are gathered here to celebrate this day with our fellow inmates, health-care service providers and members of the community, we want to emphasise on the importance of adherence to human rights commitments.

Our gathering does not necessarily signify our accomplishments in this journey but our bold plan to end HIV/AIDS as individuals and as a community," she said.

The Commissioner General said the department was motivated by the huge progress which has been attained both departmentally and at national level in addressing HIV related matters.

This was evidenced by the number of clients who got tested within the Correctional facilities, as well as the services that were rendered to those who require such medical care.

She then took time to express appreciation to the ministry of health and all stakeholders, some of whom were present for their joint efforts aimed at improving the lives of officers and clients.
celebration

Also present during celebration was National Commissioner of Police (NatCom) Manoma Masango, Commissioners Raymond Nkambule and Bongani Khumalo, Deputy Commissioner Generals Muhle Dludlu, Vusi Kunene, Cyril Maseko, Mancoba Nkambule, Phindile Sibandze, Ephraem Thwala, Chief Fire Officer Luke Lushaba, Members of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force representatives among others.

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