Partnership makes residents health wise
ALEXANDRA – Residents spoiled for services on World TB Day.
In the weekend that included World TB Day on 24 March to raise awareness on the dreaded disease that kills 30 citizens daily, Alexandrians were also educated on a range of other ailments.
They received information on gender-based abuse and violence, which contributes to many deaths of women by men, advice was given on family health, treatment and referrals for HIV and circumcision, diabetes and high blood pressure. The services were rendered at the Setswetla informal settlement, Alex Mall, Rotary Sports Grounds and Madala Hostel by a partnership led by the Centre for Communication Impact sponsored by USAID with local NPOs, Adapt, Grassroots Soccer, Exodus Ministries Foundation, Isizinda Sempilo, Society for Family Health and others.
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Agnes Mokoto of the centre said they started the previous weekend and will continue indefinitely after positive feedback from residents. “We target men from 20 years old and above. They appreciate knowing their HIV status and that it doesn’t kill if one adheres to treatment and changes attitudes and conduct in personal care,” she explained.
Mokoto added that with the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence, it is imperative to raise awareness about its negative psychological, emotional and physical effects on victims, perpetrators, families and communities to stop it becoming a culture that is emulated by younger generations.
She also commended indunas at Madala Hostel for allowing them to set up on the premises. “It’s important to be visible with the services in the hostel and Setswetla, which are among the most vulnerable areas for ailments.”
Sidwell Sehoana of Adapt said targeting men should be done in an effective manner to make them knowledgeable, gain their interest for testing so as to know their status, and also to change gender norms and assist them in approaching their relationships positively in order to stop the violence.
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He advised that circumcision reduced the risk of HIV infection by 70 per cent. “It’s done by the Society for Family Health who removes the foreskin surgically to prevent the accumulation of moisture that is a breeding place for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
Details: Centre for Communication Impact 012 366 9300.
