‘Getting to zero’ on World Aids Day
The St Francis Care Centre celebrated World Aids Day with a special memorial candlelight service for all those who are living with HIV/Aids, as well as those who have died of the disease, on Tuesday, December 2.
St Francis patients, House of Mercy patients and HCT Special Mobilisation members attended the service.
According to social worker, Thuli Mbatha, the lighting of the candle is a symbol of hope.
“We light a candle for our lost loved ones and to show that we are here to help and support the HIV/Aids patients, as well as their families.”
As for the past five years, the theme of the memorial was ‘World Aids Day: Getting to zero’.
“We strife to get zero mother-to-child transmissions, zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero Aids related deaths.
“If you know your status early, you will be able to live longer – love yourself and take care of yourself.”
After the service the HCT Special Mobilisation group marched for HIV/ Aids in Ramaphosa, where they mobilised and tested people for HIV/Aids, high blood pressure, diabetes, and ordered TB screening tests.
“If people are tested negative, we tell them to keep living healthy; if they are tested positive, we tell them that it’s not the end of the world.
“We then refer them to clinics nearby and get them to start their treatment; we are here to support and give them hope.”
The group also provided as much information and raised awareness on HIV/Aids, as well as TB, cancer and diabetes, which correlates with HIV/Aids.
HCT Special Mobilisation is a new outreach programme, which started in September this year.
The group works in five communities where it assists with the testing, prevention and education of HIV/Aids, TB, cancer and diabetes. – @IschkeBoksburg
