Alex men determined to tackle the HIV treatment gap
Alex men gathered at Indoda Dialogue to discuss ways in which they could collectively work to address the Region's critical HIV treatment gap, as data shows that more than 10 000 people are not on HIV care.
Data reveals that the Region E Health Department needs to put 10 519 people on HIV treatment.
These figures were disclosed by the health coordinator in Region E Kholiswa Madikiza at a presentation for the region’s stakeholders, The statistics underscore a significant gap in HIV care that threatens to increase infections.
However, Alexandra’s men are determined to assist the department in bridging the gap.
Read more: Itlhokomeleng Association for Aged and Disabled reminds Alex elders to always check their HIV status
At a recent Indoda Dialogue in Alexandra held on May 14, the manager of FAN Champions For Change, Charles Mphephu called for men’s intervention. “Part of why we are doing this is to say: Soldiers, can you go out and assist the department to bring these people to care? We cannot lose anyone to health problems that are within our control,” he said.
Mphephu noted that Johannesburg records new HIV infections daily, highlighting the urgent need to re-engage those who have left treatment programmes.
This was also confirmed by Madikiza, who further stressed the need to curb new infections by finding people who were either exposed to or were living with HIV but have never been on treatment.
Also read: ‘Rape spree turned me into a drug junkie and left me HIV positive’
“We [Region E health department] often say that anytime you feel like you are at risk of contracting HIV, come to us so that we can give you preventive medicine.”
During his address at the dialogue, Mphephu told men that HIV does not kill; people just need to take treatment. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of behavioural change and open dialogue to combat the rise of HIV infections.
An attendee Patrick Ngidi noted that the dialogue would be essential in addressing HIV-related stigma, which remained a major challenge, discouraging people from testing and treatment. “Now that these figures are out, we must act before this crisis reaches our families. It’s heartbreaking to bury someone who you knew had potential, ” he said, urging men to take urgent action.
The attendees said with outreach programmes and community advocacy, they could help reduce the numbers, encouraging more people to regularly test and to protect themselves.
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