by Siyabonga Gema – HST Communications Officer
The Health Systems Trust (HST), in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health in the uThukela District, hosted two events commemorating World Aids Day on 5 and 6 December 2024 in Estcourt. The first event was hosted at the Wembezi Community Hall, where local men and young boys were invited under the theme ''Nothing for us without us''. This event was centred around engaging men and young boys ages 15 to 20 years and creating a platform where they can voice various challenges related to health care and other social ills affecting them.
Men and young boys of Wembezi listening attentively to the speakers
Most communities are battling with the scourge of drug and alcohol abuse which then exposes people to many health risks. This is especially true for the youth, who sometimes succumb to peer pressure and negative influences. This platform empowered men and youth with vital knowledge of the dangers of engaging in risky behaviour, the health complications risky sexual behaviour causes, and even the unfortunate life of crime that some youth may find themselves in. In attendance were officials from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health (DoH), South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Department of Social Development.
Constable Mkhize of SAPS speaking on issues of crime and crime prevention
Speaking at the event, Lungile Mthembu, the DoH's Mental Health and Substance Abuse Co-ordinator for uThukela District, said that many young boys find themselves being exposed to drug abuse due to a lack of knowledge of how dangerous drugs are to one's life. She also mentioned that drug and alcohol abuse negatively impacts on a person's decision-making. She encouraged the men and youth in attendance to speak out about mental health issues, either to a professional or to identify someone at home or within the community who would support them in dealing with these issues.
The DoH's Mental Health and Substance Abuse Co-ordinator for uThukela District, Lungile Mthembu, raising the alarm on substance abuse and mental health
HST's Community Mobiliser, Siyabonga Mkhize, engaged the youth on sexual health and HIV. He said "our aim in doing this is to move towards the UN 2030 goals by educating the youth on various aspects such as HIV transmission, PrEP and U=U." The youth participated in a question and answer session where special prizes were given away to those who correctly answered the questions related to sexual health and HIV. At the end of the programme, HST also facilitated a dialogue where robust engagements unfolded between the men and young boys in attendance and the officials.
HST's Siyabonga Mkhize engaging the youth on sexual health and HIV
The second event, which took place on 6 December 2024 at the Injisuthi Clinic, was the closure of Project 75. This project involved a range of stakeholders including HST, the DoH, Social Development and Community Based Organisations (CBOs). When it started, the aim was to bring all the relevant role-players involved in the Paediatric ART programme in uThukela District together in supporting 75 children who had been identified as undergoing challenges in having their viral loads suppressed due to various issues. As part of this project, different challenges were addressed, and with the involvement of parents and the local community leadership results started showing. Out of the 75 that had been identified, 73 have successfully suppressed viral loads while the remaining two are also on course towards suppression.
HST's Cross-Site Facilitator and Health Promotion Specialist, Sanele Mvelase, gives a brief overview of Project 75 and its initiation.
Speaking at the event, HST's Nonceba Languza, the HST Project Manager for the uThukela District, pointed out that this momentous achievement is a result of partnership and collaboration with the parents and caregivers and their unwavering support for their children. Nonceba also thanked all the partners who made it possible to achieve this goal, especially thanking the HST team for their full commitment throughout the project even when encountering challenges.
HST's Project Manager for uThukela District, Nonceba Languza with the multi-stakeholder team involved in making the project a success
The day was marked by celebrations, with the highlight of the day being a short performance by the children which depicted the process of the body's immune system fighting off infections and unwanted sicknesses. The children also enjoyed various games and activities, including face painting and turns on the jumping castle on site. The event was then concluded with special gifts of appreciation being handed out to the parents and caregivers in attendance.
Parents and caregivers proudly watched on as their children performed a short play
For more information do email hst@hst.org.za/communications@hst.org.za