World Aids Day celebrated in South Hills
The programme included a variety of educational activities and services for the residents
SANCA Central Rand’s Rosettenville community outreach department hosted an awareness programme addressing the complex and multifaceted relationship between substance abuse and HIV/Aids on December 1 at Fever Tree, South Hills.
The main topics were that the use of drugs and alcohol can:
1. Contribute to an increased risk of HIV infection, hinder HIV prevention efforts and worsen the progression of HIV/Aids.
2. Impair judgment and decision-making, leading to risky behaviours such as transactional sex, unprotected sex and needle-sharing also locally known as Bluetooth.
3. Interfere with adherence to HIV treatment regimens. Individuals with substance abuse issues may be less likely to adhere to medication schedules, compromising the immune system, and making them more susceptible to opportunistic infections associated with advanced HIV/Aids.
The campaign included activities, a talent show, drug and health talk awareness, aerobics, boardgames and mind games. The Keready mobile clinic was on site conducting general health screenings for the public.
Addressing the relationship between substance abuse and HIV/Aids requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. The Ke Moja team continues to tackle the scourge of substance abuse through the creative use of dance, music and poetry. The team rendered an emotional drama addressing the social and moral decay caused by substance abuse in vulnerable communities.
SANCA Rosettenville would like to thank all stakeholders for their participation and the community of Fever Tree for their warm welcome and participation.
