The City’s Urban Renewal Programme, Health, Sport and Recreation along with the Matrix Substance Abuse Centre, the Department of Social Development (provincial and local) and the Non Medical Site (YMCA) hosted an HIV/Aids, TB and Substance Abuse Open Day on 3 September 2010 from 09:30 to 13:00 in Mitchells Plain.
This event took place for the third year and featured exhibits by various organisations who offer HIV/Aids, TB and substance abuse services. The reason for the integrated approach is to demonstrate how the issues are inter-related i.e. many drug addicts share needles and thereby risk passing on the HI virus. HIV develops to full blown Aids if not managed, which causes the breakdown of the immune system, making carriers more prone to illnesses such as TB.
The event took place in the open space in front of the Urban Renewal Office (Administration Block A, Northern Taxi Terminal, Town Centre). The MC, Regina Martin from Determined Youth Leaders ensured that the programme ran smoothly and all community members passing the event participated.
The welcome address was done by Ward Councillor Dennis Williams, who also sponsored the sound for the event. Speeches and interaction with the community were facilitated by Letitia Bosch, the Substance Abuse Coordinator of the City’s Department of Health; Belinda Kube from YMCA (HIV/Aids); Zulpha Smith from TB and HIV Care (TB) and Sister Chordnum from the City’s Department of Health - Health Promotion.
Local Primary schools, Cornflower and Meadowridge entertained the crowd with dancing. The YMCA offered free HIV testing and counselling and more than 100 people were tested. The GKM Outreach Centre offered foot and back massages, diabetes and blood pressure testing. A number of other organisations exhibited services they render. A question and answer exercise took place and T-shirts and branded bags were given as prizes.
The integrated approach to addressing these particular issues strengthens the impact and brought different organisations dealing with these issues together in their fight against HIV/Aids, TB and Substance Abuse. Available funding to replicate the event in other areas will add value and ensure that the greater Mitchells Plain is reached.
2010/09/03