Bertha Gxowa Gateway Clinic recently hosted its Open and Aids Awareness Day, using the event to educate the community about HIV/Aids and the range of services offered at the facility.

Attendees were given detailed information about the clinic’s healthcare offerings and were taught about HIV/Aids, the importance of early treatment, and staying on medication.

The programme opened with a prayer, followed by presentations from various stakeholders addressing the community.

Ekurhuleni Clinical Forensic Medical Services (Bertha Gxowa Care Centre) manager, Sr Hazel Moagi, highlighted the critical importance of seeking medical help within 72 hours after a rape incident.

ALSO READ: Bertha Gxowa Hospital responds to complaints over long waiting times

“We are here to encourage community members to report incidents of gender-based violence to the nearest health facilities or police stations as soon as possible. We call rape a medical emergency, and it must be reported quickly, within 72 hours,” said Moagi, with a rape kit in her hands which she used to as part of her demonstrations.

She added that incidents of intimate partner violence should also be reported promptly.

“Social workers are available in health facilities and police stations to assist with counselling. We also offer medical treatment to prevent one from contracting HIV/Aids in case the rapist was positive.”

December 1 marked World Aids Day, a global event to show support for people living with HIV and Aids, while honouring those who have died from Aids-related illnesses.

Moagi further urged residents to visit the centre even when victims are not ready to open a criminal case.

“When you are ready to open the case, we will still keep the medical report, which will form part of your evidence. The medical aspect will already be covered,” she explained.

ALSO READ: Bertha Gxowa Hospital honoured for excellence in children’s care

Leading the event was Gateway Clinic quality assurance nurse clinician Brenda Nkateko Shilubane, who emphasised the importance of remaining on treatment.

She encouraged residents who relocate to request a transfer from their clinic so their records can be updated.

“When you take a transfer, the clinic can reflect in their database that you have migrated. But when you leave without notice, you become one of the statistics counted as defaulting,” she said.

“We currently have 1.1 million defaulters that we need to locate and bring back to treatment. It becomes difficult to find help once you quit treatment, as you may develop complications. When you contract TB, it becomes even harder because you now have to take two sets of medication,” said Shilubane.