Access to healthcare services important in the fight against HIV/Aids

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)’s milestone of supporting over two million individuals living with HIV highlights the critical importance of global health equity and access to essential healthcare services.

The foundation recently celebrated this milestone at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre.

“We are thrilled to celebrate AHF’s support for over two million patients globally. South Africa, the first country to join the global programme in 2002, has played a pivotal role in reaching this milestone,” said Dr Kate Ssamula, country programme director for AHF South Africa.

“Our mission is to provide quality and effective HIV services to those in need, driven by accurate data. The fight against HIV continues, and through collaborative efforts as multilateral stakeholders, we aim to reduce and ultimately eradicate new HIV infections.

“We strive to ensure everyone needing ART treatment receives it while educating communities. By continuously innovating and advancing HIV advocacy and literacy, we empower communities to lead the fight against HIV, aiming to end it by 2030.”

Since its inception in 1987, AHF has been at the forefront of the global fight against HIV/Aids, delivering essential services, advocacy, and innovative solutions to combat the pandemic. This significant milestone underscores AHF’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those affected by HIV/Aids.

AHF Milestones:

• 2 million lives in care, July 20, 2024
• 1.5 million lives in care, December 1, 2020
• 1 million lives in care, October 1, 2018
• 500,000 lives in care, November 13, 2015
• 250,000 lives in care, November 27, 2013
•100,000 lives in care, April 15, 2009

With clinics and facilities in 47 countries worldwide, including Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, AHF continues to leverage innovative healthcare delivery models to expand its reach and impact. It reaches communities in need by providing comprehensive medical care, treatment, testing, prevention, and support services.

One of the people in attendance at the event at the Birchwood Hotel was the 58-year-old Joseph Mojarathoto Motloung from Heidelberg, whose HIV journey began 30 years ago.

Joseph found the strength to disclose his HIV status to his community. This act of bravery was met with a mixture of scepticism and support. Some believed the clinic had paid him to make his disclosure, as it was uncommon for people to share their status openly.

Despite this, Joseph was undeterred. He saw the importance of educating others and began giving talks at schools the following year, teaching children about HIV and breaking down the stigma associated with the disease.

Joseph’s journey was further complicated by the period of HIV denialism in South Africa. During this time, there were no opportunities for access to treatment, and the stigma surrounding HIV was pervasive. Joseph faced these challenges head-on, going through stages of fear, anger, and hatred before reaching acceptance. He realised that questioning “Why me?” only led to denial, and he decided to embrace his new reality.

He came to understand that his diagnosis was not the end of his life but the beginning of a new chapter.
Disclosing his status to his family was another difficult hurdle. Joseph avoided his home and family, preferring to be alone.

While some family members were hostile, most supported him. In 2007, Joseph began taking antiretroviral (ARV) medication, initially hesitant but ultimately wanting to show others that living a long, healthy life with HIV was possible.

Joseph’s commitment to education and support led him to start support groups aimed at teaching others about HIV and providing a safe space for people to share their experiences. His passion and dedication caught the attention of Matsie Tsotetis, who introduced him to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).

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Eager to make a difference, Joseph joined AHF, starting as a counsellor and eventually becoming a patient advocate. The AHF community welcomed Joseph with open arms, treating him like family and making him feel valued.

His work with AHF has made him a well-known figure within his community and on a larger scale. Different organisations, including the renowned Orlando Pirates, have called upon him to speak about HIV and the realities of living with it. Today, Joseph is known not just by his given name but as “Positive Joseph.”

His story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the impact one person can have in the fight against HIV. Through his advocacy, education, and support, Joseph inspires and empowers others, proving that one can overcome any obstacle with resilience and determination.

Joseph has a special message for the youth: “Focus all your attention on education and your future. Learn about HIV, as it’s always better to be informed whether you’re living with the disease or not. Avoid engaging in sexual activities while in school, but if it happens, always use protection.”

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