Sinikithemba Care Centre - a beacon of hope for those living with AIDS

The last day of July 2003 was one of communal celebration around Durban's McCord Hospital in Overport, as the new premises of Sinikithemba Christian Care Centre were officially opened. Representatives of donor agencies, fundraisers, clinic and care centre staff, support group members and their families, as well as biomedical and social science researchers were among the many friends and partners who attended the event.

The Centre is a dedicated clinic and support centre for people living with AIDS and their families. It is an innovative response that helps people with HIV/AIDS to live with dignity and gives them the opportunity to earn an income. Its services include pre- and post-test counselling and affordable treatment, training in home-based care, education programmes for industry, school and churches, and a feeding scheme for affected families.

The now internationally acclaimed Sinikithemba Choir, replete in their uniquely traditional beaded outfits, warmed the hearts of the audience with their beautiful anthems and hymns. A series of guest speakers, including Councillor Majola from the eThekwini AIDS Council, Professors Gerald Friedland from Yale and Bruce Walker from Harvard Universities, along with representatives from funding organisations Operation Jumpstart and the Victor Daitz Foundation, expressed joyful pride in their involvement with the Centre. A moving presentation on the varied aspects of Sinikithemba's work was given by clinic and Centre staff, including the testimony of one of their patients.

As HIVAN's Social and Behavioural Science Director, Professor Eleanor Preston-Whyte, observed in her address: "Love, hope and support - all the core values of family and home - are offered at Sinikithemba. It is a nucleus of the optimism and proactive partnership that is needed to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS."

Her words were echoed by Professor Friedland, who described the Centre as "...a beacon for South Africa in this time of HIV/AIDS. There should be hundreds of places like these!"