THE eThekwini People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) body and its alliance TB HIV Care convened on Monday to address the HIV/Aids epidemic in the community, in recognition of World Aids Day.

TB HIV Care focuses on providing integrated care to address TB, HIV, and other major health issues in South Africa. Their efforts prioritise prevention, treatment, and targeted interventions for vulnerable groups such as the homeless, inmates, sex workers, and people living with HIV.

With over 650,000 people living with HIV in eThekwini, it was raised that it’s essential to intensify efforts in dealing with the stigma, discrimination, and unequal access to healthcare that continue to hinder progress, especially within the vulnerable groups of the community.

Also read: Fighting stigmas: drug use and healthcare

“Drug users continue to be stigmatised when trying to access primary health care. They have nowhere to go, and most times they’re often turned away from mainstream hospitals and are often directed to rehab centres. They find themselves at the mercy of the streets where safety is not guaranteed,” said Andile Ngcungama, Advocacy Officer at TB HIV Care.

“We also call on decriminalisation of personal drugs, where users are apprehended with a certain amount of drugs. Instead, we urge the police to target the drug dealers, not the users.”

Panel discussions delved into reducing stigma and discrimination around HIV/Aids, improving access to treatment and prevention services; and strengthening community involvement in HIV/Aids.

TB HIV Care at 4 Wadley Street in Umbilo has opened its doors to HIV-affected drug users and the homeless. They can access testing, screening, administration of ARVs and counselling. For more information contact 031 1942 4989.

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