Far East Rand Hospital commemorates World Aids Day
“We are here to help you disclose your HIV status to your children if you find it difficult to do it alone,” said Mawela.
Far East Rand Hospital commemorated the World Aids Day last Friday, under the theme Know Your Status.
Introducing the purpose of the day, matron Emily Mawela shared the information that World Aids Day is aimed at showing love and care to all those infected and affected by HIV.
The health practitioner encouraged those infected to disclose their status to those close to them and also encouraged parents to explain to their children who are on HIV treatment the reason they are taking this treatment.
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“We are here to help you disclose your HIV status to your children if you find it difficult to do it alone,” said Mawela.
One patient who was diagnosed with HIV in 2014 shared information.
She said since she found out about her status, she has learnt to love and take care of herself even more.
“I lost my husband in 2008 and my child in 2018 because of HIV, but that has not discouraged me to stop taking my treatment,” she said.
The patient went on to say she lives her life to the fullest, knowing that taking her treatment is the only way to help her live a long life.
She explained to the other HIV positive patients the importance of disclosing their status to those close to them.
“After I have disclosed my status, I found peace of mind and the support that I needed from people around me,” she said.
She concluded by encouraging everyone to get tested for HIV.
