Focus at city drive on Aids, overall health

HUNDREDS of commuters at Cape Town Station were welcomed into the city by the provincial Health Department’s awareness drive for World Aids Day.

Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo helped health practitioners provide information pamphlets, and directed them for free health screenings yesterday.

People were given the option of free HIV testing, TB or diabetes screening, medical male circumcision orientation and clinic scheduling, as well as Pap smears.

Health spokesman Mark van der Heever said the department opted for a holistic approach. “People can take the opportunity to get tested for Aids, but also receive information on breast examination for cancer, high blood pressure and TB screening, or make appointments for their nearest clinics,” he said.

The theme for the event, “Hands Up for HIV Prevention”, was especially targeted at young women and girls declared as a focus group due to the prevalent but preventable new infections annually.

CPUT student Phinkie Mlondolozi, 22, from Woodstock, believes the drive was conveniently located.

“This is a central hub, and most – if not all – commuters enter the city from here, so this is a perfect spot to meet many people. There is still a stigma about HIV, and for some it’s still taboo, and awareness campaigns like this, coming to the people, are needed regularly,” said Mlondolozi.

Ravensmead’s Cecilia Januarie, 45, said: “As a mother, I believe our children must know about these things and get tested. I’m impressed by the number of people taking advantage of this opportunity.”

Mbombo explained how the department, with the multimillion-rand Global Fund Grant, will launch a pilot programme to help in the fight against HIV infection among young women from poor communities.

“They are often the most vulnerable because they don’t have access to resources, and are taken advantage by so-called blessers. It’s not just aimed at awareness, but economic empowerment and skills development,” said Mbombo.

She said the Western Cape had the highest life expectancy, and with antiretrovirals and mother-child campaigns, the spread of infection has been curbed.