Covid-19, extreme weather, and loadshedding are major issues that have clamoured for our attention over recent years, often overshadowing South Africa’s HIV and TB prevalence which remains among the highest in the world.
Sex workers, women who use drugs, and human trafficking survivors are vulnerable to diseases like HIV, TB, and hepatitis and need access to non-judgemental healthcare. They often experience stigma and discrimination, and this impacts how they deal with health issues and access to healthcare services.
TB HIV Care, a non-profit organisation (NPO), is sensitive to these challenges and puts integrated care at the heart of responding to TB and HIV, targeting their interventions to meet the needs of populations most at risk. TB HIV Care project manager, Peggy Modikoe, explained that their key population’s programme recognises that health is a human right.
“Marginalised groups are at much higher risk of HIV infection, but they are also highly stigmatised and often struggle to access treatment, care, and support. We treat all people as we would wish to be treated, and we support and seek out partner NGOs and organisations with a similar ethos and approach,” said Modikoe.
This sentiment resonates with Natalie Ogden, justice coordinator at The Domino Foundation: “The survivors on our Red Light programme almost always have very damaged self-worth and we have to balance that reality with the need to deal with the very real possibility of health issues in their lives.”
She described TB HIV Care as an excellent partner for Red Light as the two groups help survivors with their journey into a new life, hope, and freedom. They provide regular health checks at TB HIV Care’s clinic throughout the year which are marked on the Red Light beneficiaries’ calendars.
The programme is thorough and underscored by compassion as well as an understanding of the survivors’ emotional and psychological challenges. STI screening and HIV testing, pap smears are standard items on the schedule.
“Our beneficiaries often need ongoing support and care. We explain that pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is very effective in preventing HIV (by about 99%) when taken as prescribed. It’s a great way to protect yourself. Alongside PrEP, we provide other health checks and key population-friendly sexual and reproductive health services,” said Vuyiswa Nyawose, site manager at TB HIV Care’s drop-in centre in eThekwini.
A Red Light resident at the programme’s safe house, who has used their services vowed to the project. She said: “I was so nervous the first time I went to TB HIV Care’s drop-in centre. I felt sure that the staff would treat me badly because of the life I had been living. They showed me love and care and explained so much which will help me move into a healthier life.”
For more information or assistance, TB HIV Care, is located at Suit No. 2, Sutton Square, 306/310 Mathews Meyiwa Road in Morningside, Durban, or contact 031 054 5002.
