Candlelight service for those affected by HIV/Aids

St Francis Care Centre hosted its annual candlelight memorial service on May 19 for those who are affected by HIV and Aids.

The purpose of the event, attended by about 50 stakeholders, was to remember those who have lost lives as a result of HIV/Aids and honour those who dedicate their lives to helping people with and affected by HIV.

According to Tilly Brouwer, manager of St Francis, the international Aids candlelight memorial offers a great opportunity to take stock, reflect and plot out ways to join hands to fight against stigma towards people infected with the disease.

“It saddens me that after 38 years there is still stigma, discrimination and non-adherence to treatment. There are still reports of new infections daily, especially in the 15 to 29 age group. This all indicates that we, who are working in the field of HIV and Aids, need to refocus and work even harder to reach the goal of having zero infections in our beautiful country,” said Brouwer.

She highlighted HIV/Aids is no longer a death sentence, medication and treatment is freely available.

Guest speakers like Thuli Mbatha, Zandile Ntsele, Sophie Mathebula, Ester Mamogobo shared the challenges, successes and stigmatisation around HIV/Aids treatment. Matron Winnie Dlamini did the vote of thanks this year.

During the event, a candle was lit to remember those who lost their lives to HIV/Aids.

Thereafter, guests had the opportunity to test for HIV/Aids, high blood pressure, diabetes and have tuberculosis screening tests conducted.

Also Read: St Francis celebrates World Aids Day

Also Read: Local child welfare commemorates World Aids Day