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Launch of the HIVAN/Shallcross Community Forum Series
Thanusha Naidu. 28 October 2003.
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0n the 16th October 2003, The Centre for HIV/AIDS Networking (HIVAN), in association with The Shallcross Friends of the Library, launched their HIV/AIDS Community Forum Series. The aim of this Forum is to enhance networking, collaboration and information-sharing amongst various local organisations involved in HIV/AIDS activities.
Many different organisations responded to the invitation and were well represented. In introducing HIVAN?’s research and networking initiatives, Nicci Stanley referred to four broad streams of collaborative biomedical and social research being undertaken by the Centre. Its biomedical focus includes research into prevention-of-mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), while studies in the social and behavioural fields include: community responses to HIV/AIDS, and ethnographic studies on traditional healing, stigma and gendered patterns of disclosure. HIVAN networks in the government, business, NGO, community-based and academic sectors. Networking in the faith-based sector with the World Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP) takes the form of quarterly fora that aim to address issues of mutual interest to religious leaders and academic researchers with a view to synthesising responses.
The first speaker was Mr Mark Becker of the Dream Centre, a palliative medical care centre structured to offer a non-hospital continuum of care that begins at the point of first contact with the patient, regardless of the stage of the illness. Should the patient become terminally ill, the Dream Centre provides home-based care, counselling services and spiritual care. The organisation has a strong relationship with McCord Hospital, which provides a medical infrastructure and the services of doctors and nurses to administer treatment and medication. Management hopes to establish a Dream Centre in every province in the country.
Zora Khan of Makhan Insurance Services spoke on AIDS and insurance, highlighting the fact that, contrary to popular belief, terminal disease cover is available through their ?‘Living Lifestyle Optimum Plus?’ cover. This benefit may be added to any life-cover policy in the Liberty Lifestyle range and pays out a lump-sum should one contract and survive any of the dreaded diseases listed in the policy. These benefit payments are based on the stage of the disease. With the ?“Living Lifestyle Optimum Plus?” policy, one has peace of mind knowing that life-cover is not eroded by claims and that a claim under one benefit category does not affect others. She advised that by taking out dreaded disease cover while one is still healthy and insurable, one avoids being trapped by life?’s contingencies. ?“With all of this in mind,?” she concluded, ?“Prevention is always better than cure.?”
Mr Maharaj, of a local pharmacy, spoke about products that are available ?“over-the-counter?” for relief of symptoms and systemic support. These are preventative and complementary medications available without prescription, and include remedies such as vitamins A, C, zinc and selenium, sunflower seeds, garlic capsules and Spirulina, all of which boost the immune system and serve as natural antibiotics. He also emphasised the importance of nutrition and regular exercise.
Lorraine Manikum and Phiwe Nkomo represented the Pinetown Child And Family Welfare Association. They deal mostly with children who have been sexually abused and orphaned, and offer counselling to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. They work closely with their partner organisations (schools, churches and CBOs), which help in identification of problems and solutions within the community. They also offer community development services.
Kogie David of the Chatsworth Child Welfare Society also spoke of the counselling services and home-based care they offer, as well as various workshops held twice a month in the Chatsworth and Mobeni areas.
Sister Surie and Gerald of the Shallcross Clinic addressed the importance of early detection of the virus. They offer the ?“Smart-check?” and Rapid Tests. During the month of September, of the 18 people tested, nine (i.e. 50%) were positive. They also educate people in the greater Chatsworth area on HIV/AIDS awareness, and campaign through the press by writing articles emphasising the dangers of the virus and the importance of an all-round healthy lifestyle. The Clinic is also affiliated to the ?“Centre of Hope?”, which offers facilities for public education and counselling services. Another affiliate is the Durban South Doctors?’ Guild.
Tracey Semple of the Diakonia Council of Churches advised that the DCC had established an AIDS programme to support awareness and ministry amongst and emanating from their member churches and organisations. This involves supplying information resources and running workshops and other community-based activities. Church-based HIV/AIDS Network Co-ordinators are in place throughout the areas in which the AIDS programme operates. The co-ordinators attend regular meetings where they exchange information and discuss problems and interests. They also offer pre- and post-test counselling to those in need.
The Islamic Medical Association was represented by Sabera Timol along with other members of the organisation. The Association runs a mobile clinic, conducts HIV and drug awareness programmes and offers financial aid. They also offer counselling and training for other HIV/AIDS counsellors.
Mr Bob Daniels of the World AIDS Day Committee began his address by urging the audience to ?“?…spread the message, not the disease!?”, focusing on the importance of becoming informed about the virus. His Committee is responsible for awareness events and displays, such as float processions, to be held on World AIDS Day.
Mr James Khumalo opened his presentation by saying: ?“A country which does not value its youth does not deserve a future.?” He stressed that adults should engage in discussions about sex and sexuality with their children, submitting that the black African population has been most severely afflicted by HIV/AIDS because of a lack of education about promiscuity and its fatal consequences. He urged the youth to take responsibility for their lives, as life only comes around once.
Steve Grobler, representing Peacehaven, described this facility as one that provides care for those in trauma and crisis, including home-based care for those infected by HIV/AIDS. They feed approximately 30 000 people each month and are in the process of negotiating the acquisition of a farm to house people living with the disease.
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Phiwe Mkomo, of Pinetown Child and Family Welfare, spoke at the Forum
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