WORLD Aids Day was commemorated by Thabitha Community Care Services with a captivating community programme at the Blue Roof Life Spaces on December 3. The event forms part of the organisation’s mission to raise awareness about HIV, reduce stigma and provide accessible healthcare services to vulnerable groups.

Also read: Thabitha promotes well-being with free community outreach

Lee-Sandra Boyce, HIV counsellor, said the programme was meant to encourage community members to proactively take control of knowing their HIV status and protecting their health.

“Our goal was to raise awareness for HIV by encouraging our key populations to know their HIV status and practise safer sex. Our key populations include young people, drug users, sex workers and members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Boyce.

She added that the team also emphasised two highly effective antiviral prevention options known as PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), to educate the community on tools available to help prevent HIV infection.

The day aimed to create a supportive environment in which people living with the virus could gather, socialise, share experiences and remember those who have succumbed to the virus.

There were health talks, performances, counselling and a symbolic candle-lighting tribute led by Boyce. Sister Renette Roskruge, founder of Thabitha Community Care Services, and her team also conducted on-site HIV testing, including blood pressure and blood sugar screenings.

“We created an environment in which people were comfortable, informed and supported. Thabitha Community Care Services remains committed to delivering quality clinical care at community level,” said Boyce.

Thabitha Community Care Services’ core mission has been to create HIV awareness and preventive measures among communities for better and healthier living.

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