December 1 marked World Aids Day and people around the world commemorated the day to show support for people with HIV and to remember those who have died from Aids-related illnesses.
Bertha Gxowa Hospital Lerato Clinic commemorated the day by having a small ceremony at the hospital.
This year’s theme was ‘Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility’.
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GCN had the opportunity to talk to Lerato Clinic’s Dr Sindiwa Nene about HIV, TB and Covid-19.
“This year has been a challenging year, especially in the medical field with Covid-19 as we try to end the pandemic. But we must not forget about HIV/Aids because those who are positive are at high risk.
“We remind people about the importance of knowing their status to be able to start treatment early,” said Nene.
She said education is still important and needed because of the development constantly happening.
“World Aids Day still has a role to play because we use such platforms to share information. People were scared of the medication before because of the side effects, but now we have a new drug that has less side effects and we need to share that information,” said Nene.
GCN asked how the clinic assisted it’s patients during the lockdown to ensure they do not default.
“It was not easy but we found ways to make sure our patients received their medication. We had a system where we phoned them when they were due to collect their medication and we would give them a letter to say they were from the hospital. That assisted us because we did not have any defaults,” said Nene.
Clinical associate Makhanda Melandi from Aurum, working at the Lerato Clinic, said awareness is important as it encourages people to get tested.
“It also helps to eradicate the stigma. With every generation there are new challenges and thus constant information sharing is important,” said Melandi.
He said there has been progress in the HIV/Aids field in terms of drugs and people need to know that information.
“World Aids Day provides that opportunity.”
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Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za , and Lebogang Sekgwama lebogangs@caxton.co.za.
