Youth enjoy day of fun at uShaka

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) treated 250 children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS to a day out at uShaka Marine World recently.

AHF is the world’s largest non-profit HIV health provider offering medical care and services to more than 1 million patients in 42 countries worldwide.

On arrival at uShaka Marine World, the children visited the aquarium and then attended the dolphin show and were later treated to lunch, sponsored by Corner Bakery. After lunch, the children braved the elements on a cold and windy day, to swim and enjoy the Wet n Wild Park.

“This is a day of true childhood joy. For the children, to just be children, free from the burdens of their daily lives,” said Larissa Klazinga, regional policy and advocacy manager at AHF South Africa.

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In celebration of reaching the milestone of one million patients in care worldwide and World Aids Day’s 30th Anniversary, the children enjoyed a specially baked cake, which was cut by Sherry Zalika Sykes, American Consul General, Diana Hoorzuk, AHF Global vice chair, Terri Ford, AHF Chief of Global Advocacy and Policy, and Hilary Thulare, AHF South Africa, Country Programme Director.

On departure the children all received a back pack which included a book sponsored by Bargain Books, toiletries, a soft toy for the smaller children and a bluetooth speaker for the teenagers. The girls also received sanitary towels to encourage them to attend school on a daily basis.

“While this was a day of fun, there is also an underlying campaign of awareness. HIV is a treatable disease, although very serious, you can live a very healthy and productive life with the right care and medication,” said Hilary Thulare.

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