Lifeline targets HIV and TB
ALEXANDRA - Lifeline an NPO has had its lifeline extended through a grant partnership with government for TB and HIV/AIDS work in the city's region E.
NPO, Lifeline has had its lifeline extended through a grant partnership with government for TB and HIV/Aids work in the city’s region E.
The organisation on 8th Avenue provides residents with services which include, trauma counselling and training, victim empowerment, sexual and reproductive health, peer education and support groups, school talks and community education through radio slots and print media.
The organisation recently partnered with the Department of Health and Social Development for a year-long programme on tuberculosis [TB) screening and HIV/Aids counselling and training. Both illnesses ravage communities such as Alexandra which is over crowded and susceptible to the quick spread of communicable diseases like TB. Also, HIV/Aids continues to spread due to sexual negligence such as unprotected and experimental sexual encounters, sugar daddies exploiting poor victims for material reward, multiple partners and non-adherence to the known preventative measures of abstinence, faithfulness and condomising.
At the time the partnership was forged, there were 24 million citizens who had not tested for HIV. Those who have tested are required to do so regularly, and at least once in two years.
Judy Tsutsa, programme co-ordinator said the outreach activities which began in October, are conducted through referrals to clinics, and campaigns at taxi ranks, and other strategic points in the region.
“By the end, we should have treated and counselled 7 000 people. The TB screening will prevent those affected from contracting other opportunistic diseases, while HIV/AIDS training and counselling… will treat and encourage people to lead risk-free lives to avoid the shame and guilt often associated with HIV/Aids,” she said.
Tsutsa said they were also encouraging people not to default on treatment as this would weaken their immunity and expose them to opportunistic diseases. She added that they expected challenges from some cultural practices on the use of contraceptives, and also by those wanting to have babies.
She advised residents to be open to counselling which will expose them to the advantages of using both male and female condoms which are available for free at clinics and through the programme at community centres and taverns. Taxi drivers, she said, also assisted in distributing condoms to their passengers.
Tsutsa concluded by advising the youth to delay the onset of sexual activities as the best form of protection against HIV infection.
Details: Lifeline 011 443 3555.
