Stigmas hinder Aids treatment, says NPO

ADDRESSING stigmas around HIV and Aids is an important step in ensuring children receive the care they need. This was among the topics discussed at Chesterville Sports Grounds on Friday, December 2 when Aids Healthcare Foundation South Africa (AHF) commemorated World Aids Day together with various stakeholders, including the Durban soccer club, AmaZulu Football Club, and the eThekwini Municipality.

Speaking to Berea Mail at the event, AHF social worker Kini Lubanyana said the organisation is working to ensure HIV-positive children are given the care they need.

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“We still have a challenge when it comes to disclosure, especially with paediatrics and the youth. Another challenge is support for patients on ARV medication – we are still working on strengthening family support and psycho-socio support. We are trying by all means to ensure that disclosure is done for children who are HIV-positive and that they get all the necessary support,” she said.

Tusani Kunene, national HIV prevention manager for AHF, said various services were offered on the day, including free HIV testing, TB screening and cervical cancer screening. AHF, which is based in Musgrave, works with various government clinics in the eThekwini District.

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“We provide Human Resources support, which includes doctors, nurses and counsellors to speed up services. We also support the government in designing and strengthening programmes. If people default on their medication, we are able to bring them back into treatment. We also deal with issues of stigma and education. This is done in collaboration with partners, including SAPS. It’s not just about HIV; gender-based violence crops up, as well,” he said.

Lubanyana added that AHF currently avail their services at 22 clinics across the eThekwini District.

“In the Berea area, our services are available at Cato Manor Clinic and nearby, at Chesterville Clinic,” she said.

“Amazulu Community Trust attended the event to support the AHF,” said Mpho Dintwa, CSI programme manager for Amazulu FC.

“We, as a club, feel we have a responsibility to destigmatise HIV. We encourage people to test for HIV – it’s good to know your status and start treatment if needed,” he said.