CLINIC ALERT
There are thousands of HIV/Aids clinics dotted all over the country, but it doesn't help if you have no idea where to start looking. To find any treatment, testing, or emergency clinic, by province, town, or suburb,
Karabo.org.za is the best resource we've found. With a simple search, you'll be able to not only find a clinic that's close to you, but one which suits your specific needs.
The website will locate your nearest clinic on an interactive map, and once it's matched your search results, you'll be provided with contact details, address, nearest landmarks, the sister in charge of the clinic, what language is spoken and what services it provides. The site also includes additional information on treatment, testing, counselling and secondary illnesses.
FACTS AND FIGURES
South Africa's Minister of Health Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, reminds us to keep the latest figures in mind and be responsible on World Aids Day.
• South Africa's mortality rate has increased by 34% since 2004.
• Approximately 5.7 million people are still living with HIV/Aids.
• The infection rate in sub-Saharan Africa dropped by 400 000 people last year.
• The highest infection rate lies with women between the age of 25 and 29-years old; i.e. one in three women from this age group is infected with HIV.
DEBUNK THE MYTHS
It's hard to believe with all the information out there, that there are still myths surrounding HIV/Aids contraction and treatment. Here is a brief reminder of which untruths you should ignore.
MYTH 1: I won't get HIV if I sleep with an infected person only once.
Why we may believe it: Wishful thinking!
Why we shouldn't: It takes only one sexual encounter to get HIV, says Dr Clive Evian, director of Aids Management and Support. 'And while the virus may not spread from your partner every time, it's foolish to take any risk. If you have a genital disease or STD, the risk of infection is even higher.'
MYTH 2: It's only necessary to use one condom a night, even if you have sex more than once.
Why we may believe it: Condoms seem hardy and it's easy to think that, with a quick wipe, they're ready for the next round.
Why we shouldn't: HIV and other viruses such as genital herpes are found in all seminal fluid, including the clear fluid produced before and after ejaculation, says Dr David Harrison, CEO of Love Life. 'It's not easy to clean a condom properly to remove all viruses, and reusing one puts you at risk.'
MYTH 3: It's okay as long as he doesn't ejaculate inside me.
Why we may believe it: We imagine HIV is found only in semen and that if he withdraws his penis before ejaculation we're safe.
Why we shouldn't: 'HIV can pass through the mucous membranes lining the inside of the vagina or rectum, or through cuts in the mouth or other areas coming into contact with blood or semen,' says Harrison. You also run a small risk if he ejaculates outside you and semen spreads around the entrance to your vagina, says Evian.
MYTH 4: HIV can pass through condom latex.
Why we may believe it: This myth has been repeated by many, including leaders of the Roman Catholic Church in South Africa.
Why we shouldn't: Latex is impermeable to viruses, says Harrison. They can only get through if it's damaged, so keep condoms in a cool place to prevent heat damage and open the foil carefully. (Don't use teeth!)
MYTH 5: Antiretroviral treatment (ART) is a cure.
Why we may believe it: We're hopeful that if ART prolongs and improves the quality of life, it may be a cure.
Why we shouldn't: Although ART can keep people healthy for years, there's no cure for Aids, says Harrison. 'Antiretrovirals are the only scientific treatment available to manage HIV,' says Nokhwezi Hoboyi, editor of the Treatment Action Campaign's newsletter Equal Treatment. 'And I'm living proof that they work. In 2005, my CD4 count [which indicates the strength of the immune system] was 11, and after taking my treatment correctly, it's gone up to 195 – just five points below normal.'
*Additional statistical information provided by the
Human Sciences Research Council and the
Department of Health.