The St Francis Care Centre joined the world in celebrating World Aids Day on December 1 with its annual candle-lighting ceremony.
This year’s theme was ‘equality’.
Representatives from stakeholders such as from the Ekupholeni Mental Health Care Centre, Emthonjeni Art Clinic and St Francis beneficiaries, staff and patients were in attendance.
Sarah Ndhlovu from Ekupholeni Mental Health Care Centre spoke of their programmes. She stated that one of their biggest challenges is parents who are afraid to disclose to their teenagers about their status. As a result, you get teens born with HIV infecting others.
Sr Mushau from Emthonjeni Art Clinic stated they have challenges with patients defaulting on their treatment. Patients say they live too far from the clinic but refuse to be linked with the clinic closest to them due to fear of stigma and discrimination.
St Francis centre manager Tilly Brouwer stated that research shows there are young girls in relationships where they are unable to negotiate condom use. She further said it is important to ensure that young girls finish their secondary education as this will empower them to make informed choices regarding their sexual health.
The event ended with a candle-lighting moment where each guest held a candle and remained silent as they remembered those who died of the disease.
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