GEORGE NEWS - TB HIV Care's programme providing integrated HIV prevention, treatment and support services to men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people in George was formally introduced in May.
The programme was highlighted at an event at the George Council Chamber on Friday 2 October, when stakeholders were gathered to raise awareness of the services available locally. It forms part of a wider Global Fund-supported initiative being implemented across selected districts in South Africa.
TB HIV Care is one of the implementing partners, and the Aurum Institute serves as the primary recipient.
In George, services will be provided through a local drop-in centre, supported by mobile clinics and community-based outreach. The model is intended to make healthcare more accessible to people who may experience stigma, discrimination or other barriers when accessing conventional health services.
Services include HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), antiretroviral treatment (ART), sexually transmitted infection (STI) and tuberculosis screening, mental health support and referrals for legal and other services.
TB HIV Care CEO Prof Harry Hausler said the programme is designed to ensure people do not have to choose between accessing healthcare and being treated with dignity. An important component of the programme is the involvement of trained peer educators from MSM and transgender communities. They will assist with outreach and connecting people who may be underserved or disconnected from mainstream healthcare services with appropriate care.
Prince Mathe, TB HIV Care’s project co-ordinator. Photo: Supplied
For transgender clients, the programme also provides behavioural and social components of gender-affirming healthcare, transition journey planning and referral pathways for hormonal therapy, as well as support relating to gender-marker documentation changes.
Mfezi Mcingana, TB HIV Care's director of key populations, said reaching marginalised communities is essential to South Africa's HIV response. "Our response must meet people where they are, on their terms, with the services they actually need, from PrEP and ART to protection from violence," he said.
Watch: Video
The programme also includes rights education, documentation of human rights violations and sensitisation training for healthcare workers and law enforcement officials.
The TB HIV Care drop-in centre in George is situated on the corner of Binne Street and PW Botha Boulevard in George Industria.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
