Free Voluntary Counselling and Hiv Testing Available at Bellville Long Distance Taxi Rank

As of 17 October 2005, New Start, a non-government organisation, will provide free pre-and-post test counselling at the Bellville Long Distance Taxi Rank. This service will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10:00 till 18:00. The consultation and waiting rooms are situated at the newly built Long Distance Taxi Rank office in Bellville which is in close proximity to the taxi rank and railway station.

This initiative is a partnership between the City of Cape Town, the Department of Public Transport and Health, the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCPG) and New Start.

Despite preventative measures taking place, HIV/Aids infections are still on the increase. The aim of this initiative is to provide free Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services to all commuters that use taxis, buses and trains including the general public. Approximately 66 000 people pass through this public interchange per day making it an ideal location to reach, educate and positively influence the life styles of a large number of the residents of our City. This service will also include appropriate follow-up referrals for medical and psychological care and support for HIV positive clients.

Counselling and testing will be done by professional New Start staff and all consultations are considered confidential.

Issued by:
Lisle Brown
Media Liaison Officer – City Of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400-3065
Cell: 084 888 1901
Communication and Marketing
Email: media@capetown.gov.za
Tel: 021 400-2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Media Queries:
Merle Alexander
District Manager – Tygerberg District- City Health
Tel: 938 8243
Cell: 084 222 1471

Esther Van Der Watt
Site Manager: New Start
Tel: 425 5843
Cell: 083 990 9222