Zero stigma, zero AIDS

World AIDS day was celebrated worldwide on Monday, December 1.

The Ballito clinic had a special programme organised for patients, staff and children to raise awareness.

The central message of the day was to eliminate the stigma around HIV.

“Get tested, take your medicine, be disciplined and get rid of the stigma,” said Cllr Colin Marsh.

In a vote of thanks Margie Govender said AIDS is not a death sentence: “You can live a lovely and healthy life”.

Traditional healer Lindile Lumkwana highlighted the importance of a family that loves each other.

He said a family that loves, sticks together and protects one another.

The annual 16 days of activism against woman and child abuse campaign formed an integral part of the programme, bringing across the message that women are more vulnerable when they are afraid of men.

Women were encouraged to stand up and fight back against rape. With chants of “pansi” (down), woman all over the room stood up and proclaimed the downfall of rape.

R A Padayachee primary school pupils performed short dramas and poetry. One message that stood out was that the taxi boys are “naughty players” and young girls should stay away from them.

“The taxi boys pay young girls R5 for sex,” said Cllr Marsh.

The importance of taking anti-retroviral drugs was also highlighted.

Whoonga (also known as nyaope or munga) is a street drug believed to contain HIV anti-retroviral drugs and is particularly prevalent in impoverished townships in Durban.

“At Ballito clinic we do a pill count with patients, check the dates when they last collected their prescription refills and do blood tests to confirm if patients are taking their medication as prescribed,” said Govender.

She continued to say that Ballito clinic also has patient advocates and community health workers who do home visits, particularly when nurses pick up on the computer system that patients are missing appointments, or any other irregularities.