Voluntary HIV testing at GR Municipality

GEORGE NEWS - Employees of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) could participate in voluntary HIV testing and HIV/Aids awareness sessions earlier today, Thursday 2 December.

It was arranged by the employee assistance programme (EAP) unit in light of 1 December being World Aids Day.

The main focus of the day was to increase awareness and knowledge around HIV/Aids. The theme for this year's World Aids Day is "End inequalities. End Aids. End Pandemics".

"Testing is a primary way of ending the spread of HIV," said Shandré Abrahams, EAP practitioner. "Only those who know their HIV status will be able to take the necessary measures to protect themselves and their partners."

Employees also had the option to get tested for blood sugar and blood pressure.

Tests were done by representatives of the Western Cape Government (WCG) and Bethesda. These stakeholders also facilitated family planning and health-related education sessions.
Abrahams said similar sessions will be arranged annually during March (tuberculosis), August (Women's Month), November (men's health) and December (HIV, etc.).

District Mayor Memory Booysen had some tests done at the WCG's mobile clinic and with his permission, Jacoleen Feed, a WCG health promoter, shared his results, which showed that his vitals are well on par for his age group.

Seated: Jacoleen Feed (WCG health promoter) with GRDM Mayor Memory Booysen. Back, from left: Maymoonah Abrahams (intern: EAP), Shandré Abrahams (EAP practitioner), Leana Hartzenberg (Bethesda), Nomkitha Mhlontlo (intern: communications), Thabisa Nqoza (HIV counsellor from WCG), Patience Shipalane (WCG nurse) and Bareniq Klase (Bethesda).

"WCG's roll-out of mobile clinics brings diagnostic healthcare closer to communities, and in this case, a workplace," said Abrahams. "It is therefore convenient for those getting tested to access mobile units. At a workplace, like GRDM, it is an easy way to roll out consultations and examinations without arranging transport or requesting all employees to go to a clinic for testing."

All employees were also invited to a candle-lighting ceremony in remembrance of those who have died of Aids-related complications.

The GRDM encourages the public to have health checks done frequently. On World Aids day, GRDM encouraged those living with HIV to start antiretroviral treatment as soon as possible. It helps a person live a full, healthy and productive life by suppressing the virus and ensuring it is not transmitted to others.

Adv Sinekaya Maqekeni (manager for integrated support services and legal compliance) and Trix Holtzhausen (executive manager of corporate services), who holds a candle that was lit in remembrance of those who have died of Aids-related illnesses.

EAP practitioner Shandré Abrahams and intern Amanda Hogana.

Firefighters also came out in support of World Aids Day. In front, from left are: Petrus Jordaan and Keenan Kiyaam. Back: Joshua Oliphant, Edwin Lottering, Melvon Hofsta and Egail Corner.