World Aids Day observed at Witkoppen Clinic

They celebrated, learned, and were given free t-shirts on the day.

December 14, 2023

Boitumelo Komape 2 minutes read

Balloons ready to be released to the sky.

Members of the community gathered at the Witkoppen Clinic to observe World Aids Day on December 1. Speakers ranged from victims to professionals and community members were educated on the symptoms and how to overcome the fear of living with HIV and Aids. Dr Holey France said: “This day was one of a kind. It was one where people should celebrate lives. I remember when I used to work in KZN, when HIV and Aids first stepped into our door, it was a virus killing people like flies.”

Families who’ve lost loved ones to the disease were given the opportunity to light candles in their honour.

She elaborated on how the virus did not have a cure or a way to slow it down. “It came for a purpose which was to take lives. I remember the joy on my colleagues’ faces when we heard we had ARVs in 2004. Even though it was not a cure, it was a step in the good direction.” France said even though in other places it is better, some people are afraid of it, they do not test and some with the virus do not take medication. “I call this stigma.”

The attendees of the event started with a national anthem.

France went on to explain what she was told when she asked a teenage patient to explain the meaning of this word to her and the patient answered, “I am living with people that do not see me as a normal person. People fear me like I am not one of them.” Another of France’s patients, who is a mother, told her, “I have to provide for my children, but I cannot do so if I cannot get employed. People with the virus barely get jobs because of their status. I feel like I am not a human being.”

A moment of silence was held for those who lost their lives to the virus.

She went on to say that people should be celebrating that now we have ARVs and use them. “We have over eight million people living with the virus, but we have a 98% chance of successful delivery from infected mothers,” said France. She explained that people still die from the virus, but people who need help should seek the help.

Ward 94 councillor David Foley lit some candles at the event.

An HIV and Aids motivational speaker who has been living with the virus gave a speech with a few motivational quotes. “When I was told I am HIV positive, I thought I just received a death sentence. I thought I was not going to live for long. I have been taking my medication and I am still alive. I am healthy and fit. It does change a lot of things, especially diet and alcohol but it is not a death sentence.”