Health practitioners tackle HIV and TB
ALEXANDRA - HEALTH practitioners were out in full force at the Alex Plaza conducting HIV tests, TB screenings and providing other essential services to the community.
The practitioners from Alex Clinic, Lifeline, South African National Tuberculosis Association and Discovery Health spent a week providing the services at Alex Clinic, SanKopano Community Centre, Engen Garage on 12 Avenue, 15th Avenue taxi rank and Phuthaditjaba Community Centre.
Alex Clinic’s Mapule Molotshwa said the programme coincided with the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Children which runs from 25 November to 10 December and also World Aids Day on 1 December.
Molotshwa said those found HIV positive with a CD4 count of 350 were referred for further testing, treatment and counselling to help them manage the stress associated with the discovery of their status. “From January 2015, we expect more people to go for treatment after the recommended CD4 count had increased to 500,” she said.
She further advised those who tested positive to attend wellness clinic support and to eat healthy meals.
“Those found negative should also change to a lifestyle that excludes cholesterol which contributes to overweight and killer diseases like diabetes and heart failure.”
Molotshwa praised the youth for coming out in their numbers which she said indicated their interest in remaining healthy.
Alex Clinic also provides a youth-friendly service which assists schoolchildren wearing their uniforms to receive priority treatment so they can return to school as soon as possible.
Details: Alex Clinic 011 440 1231.
