As December 1 marked World Aids Day, Springs Clinic held a candlelight programme on Monday to raise awareness of the HIV/Aids epidemic, remember those who have died from HIV-related illnesses, and support people living with HIV/Aids.

This year’s theme was ‘Overcoming disruption, transforming the Aids response’, which highlights the need to preserve past progress and transform HIV services to make them more equitable and community-led.

The clinic manager, Fikile Sukazi, presented the programme introduction. She touched on a variety of topics, including the need for the community to be more empathetic.

“Imagine if we all adopted a kind attitude towards one another. Think about how different this world would be,” she said.

She also encouraged parents to teach the youth to be respectful, disciplined, and to practice safe sex.

“You should love yourself, your children and teach them to love themselves. A child who loves themselves does not bully; they respect teachers and take care of their bodies. It is your responsibility to teach these lessons to them,” Sukazi said.

Sr Princess Skade presented a visual lesson using three different jars filled with red and black beads to demonstrate what happens in an HIV-positive patient’s body when they take their ARVs versus when they do not.

“Taking your medication regularly strengthens your immune system, which means your body can fight opportunistic infections as the medication is working to suppress the virus,” she said.

She stressed the importance of continuing to take medication even if the virus is undetectable.

“Having an undetectable viral load does not mean you are HIV-negative; therefore, you must continue to take your ARVs every day,“ she said.

Skade added that one’s status should not hinder them from living a normal life and seeking companionship.

“You are allowed to date and to have a partner. It may be difficult to communicate that you are living with this condition; however, there are ways to stay safe. Your HIV-negative partner can take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to protect themselves,” she said.

The programme concluded with the lighting of candles and a moment of silence for those who have lost their lives to HIV-related illnesses.

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