Health

USA AIDS/HIV RELIEF AGENCY GIVES EKURHULENI’S HEALTHCARE THE THUMBS UP

By Thulasizwe City of Ekurhuleni 1326

A delegation from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), who conducted a site visit to Thembisa Main Clinic yesterday (15 November), expressed their satisfaction with the quality of health services rendered by the City of Ekurhuleni at its clinics.

During the visit, the USA delegation was impressed satisfaction to learn that 97% of HIV-positive patients remain on ARVs at the Thembisa Main Clinic. This development puts the clinic on course to reach the target of 100% by March 2024.

Reacting to these news, Dr Jason Bowman of the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy at PEPFAR said: “A 97% achievement by this time of the year shows that the facility is headed by a dedicated team, who they are extremely satisfied with.

“This achievement shows a good probability of reaching the set target and makes it so easy to motivate for more funding for the ARV programme for the City of Ekurhuleni when we head back home because Ekurhuleni shares the same vision of ensuring that everyone lives a healthy long life – HIV positive or not”.

While other clinics across the city are also making great strides in rolling out HIV treatment, patients are encouraged to continue to honour their appointments and inform the facility if they have changed addresses or are relocating so that they are given referral letters to enable them to continue with treatment.

“Doing so will ensure that patients are retained in care and continue to get support through regular engagement with health care providers,” explains city spokesman Zweli Dlamini. “We have done a lot to ensure that our communities receive all the necessary support from the city and all they need to do is seize the opportunity and enjoy the benefits.”

The City is also rolling out Pele boxes to ensure that patients who are on chronic medication can get it closer to their homes. Furthermore, home visits and outreach programmes continue to be undertaken to give necessary support to HIV positive patients and their families.