Equalising access to essential HIV and Aids services for key population groups
The World Health Organisation’s theme for this year’s World Aids Day is “Equalise and Integrate to End Aids”.
The organisation has called on global leaders and citizens to boldly recognise and address the inequalities hampering progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The WHO is particularly focused on equalising access to prevention programmes, providing HIV treatment for children, men who have sex with men, transgender people, drugs users, sex workers and prisoners.
While it is widely known that HIV does not discriminate, it has been scientifically proven that infection rates are higher among these key population groups.
But HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence, and there are numerous interventions in place to ease the obstacles often faced by members of these communities.
The rollout of intervention centres ensures people no longer feel prejudiced for their choices and being stigmatised as a result.
Trained health workers are gender-sensitive and are wellequipped to make patients to feel respected and treated with dignity.
Their client-centred orientation means members of the key population groups are treated with respect and do not have to fear disclosing their sexual orientation.
All too often members of these groups are targeted and stigmatised by communities, places of work and even their families, experiencing both legal and social challenges.
Sex workers are also subjected to punitive criminal laws.
Arbitrary arrests due to perceived loitering frequently result in secondary violations, such as police violence and rape.
The Eastern Cape health department is committed to establishing partner-driven outreach centres to assist key population groups. Nurses at these facilities have extensive key population sensitisation training to ensure patients never feel judged.
There are 25 facilities in the province, covering the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Buffalo City Metro and OR Tambo, Chris Hani and Amathole districts.
In addition, three truck stop wellness centres, managed in partnership with the provincial transport department, are located at Truck Inn in Gqeberha, the Engen Truck Stop on Settlers Way near the King Phalo Airport, and the Shell Ultra City in Mthatha.
These facilities provide a host of HIV testing services as well as a plentiful supply of condoms and contraceptives.
Screening for sexually-transmitted infections, pregnancies and gender-based violence and treatment for partners and others are all part of the service.
Those testing negative in the event of condoms breaking are placed on a pre-exposure prophylaxis treatment, while those who test positive immediately undergo antiretroviral therapy.
The various centres also offer psychosocial support to patients.
The provincial government’s equalisation programme includes mapping and mobilisation, key population engagement by way of community dialogues, service provision and workshops that empower key population groups by raising awareness about the various HIV prevention strategies.