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HIV patients find solace at hospice
Jo-anne Smetherham. 07 May 2003. Cape Times. Republished courtesy of Independent Newspapers (Pty) Ltd.
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Thousands of South Africans with HIV have been thrown out of their homes - or treated as a scourge - by fearful members of their families.
Among them is Sindiwe Apie, 36, who also lost her baby because she was shunned by nurses in a Port Elizabeth maternity ward. She was one of three young women who took the stage during an International Hospice Week celebration hosted by St Luke's Hospice Khayelitsha on Tuesday to tell of the inhumanity they had endured because of the stigma attached to HIV.
Speaking at the Desmond Tutu Community Hall, Apie said her baby died as she was giving birth several years ago because the umbilical cord was wrapped around its neck and the nurses refused to help.
A hospital staff member, who was not qualified to help her, went to call a doctor, but by the time he arrived her baby had died.
"All it would have taken was one nurse with one pair of hands," said Apie.
Apie said when she was diagnosed in 1990, she was told she would die within three months. Her friends had distanced themselves from her.
All her new friends were HIV-positive.
"I'm proud I have HIV. I have received so much love from those who understand. I can give all that love out again."
Apie arrived at St Luke's so weak and depressed that she wanted only to rest on one of the sofas. "That was before I knew about the support groups at St Luke's," she said.
Nomhle Nyakatya, 30, arrived at St Luke's Khayelitsha in tears. Her mother had told her she "was going to collect all the money I have and buy a coffin to keep under your bed so that the day you die, your coffin is there for you".
Her brother would not eat the food she cooked for fear of becoming infected.
Nomhle, in desperation, became an alcoholic.
"I thought I was different from others - that maybe I was going to die tomorrow," she said. "The reason I am here today is my support group. Today I can forgive my brother."
More than 600 patients with incurable diseases are cared for each day by St Luke's Hospice workers in Cape Town.
Among hospice events this week, St Luke's Hospice False Bay has arranged a Festival of Light Service for 2.30pm on Saturday at the False Bay Hospital Hall.
An Internet auction site - www.stlukes.co.za - has been set up to raise funds.
Also, a sunflower pond is to be created at the V&A Waterfront Clock Tower. Members of the public may sign sunflower petals, which are to be used to build a sunflower big enough to make the Guinness Book of Records. The sunflower is to be on show in the amphitheatre from 5pm on Sunday, 11 May 2003. |
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