"Government needs committed officials who are passionate about defeating the HIV/Aids pandemic," said the acting chief executive officer of the South African Aids Council, Rev Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu.

He was one of the speakers during the Vhembe District's health council summit, held at Gateway Lodge last Saturday.

Nevhutalu said that a lack of funds was one of the challenges facing the war against HIV/Aids. "The health council cannot function properly without money," said Nevhutalu.

He added that another challenge was the fact that young people did not listen when told about issues of HIV/Aids. He mentioned that alcohol was also playing a part in the spread of HIV/Aids. "People tend to be ignorant when they are under the influence of alcohol. They end up having sex with people they do not even know, without using condoms. The consequences of having sex unprepared is dangerous ," Nevhutalu continued.

The purpose of the summit, according to the acting general manager of health in the district, Mr Robert Sirwali, was to educate newly elected members about the activities of the district's health council.