AIDS Resource Centre
Sea Point, Cape Town, South Africa
Of people living with HIV, only 1 in 10 has been tested and knows if he or she is infected. Many do not have access to basic prevention services. That’s why we are so excited about our partnership with the AIDS Resource Centre. A project that models what is needed elsewhere to increase the availability of HIV testing.
Project founder, Niki Bradshaw-Kuys, began working on a project to collate information and produce a poster-sized map detailing all the HIV and AIDS support services in the Cape Town area. She has now done the same for Durban and has started working on a Johannesburg map. The AIDS Resource Centre has a database of all these services and the posters can be found all over the city in government offices, clinics, schools and other public areas. An associated telephone helpline keeps information up-to-date and accurate.
New hope
iThemba’s support has enabled Niki to widen the scope of this project and set up a Christian HIV and AIDS counselling and testing centre, based at Life Church. A full-time counsellor provides expert help and advice on issues relating to HIV and AIDS and being a Christian she has something extra to offer those who are suffering – a message of hope. In the midst of feelings of fear, guilt and hopelessness, a person can find comfort, forgiveness and life.
Around 130 people are tested each month and all receive pre- and post-test counselling to help them understand the process and deal with the outcome. People can come in off the street and be assured of excellent support and confidentiality. After each counselling session, clients are asked what support they would like from Life Church. About 20 people a week are asking to join cell groups, be taken to church or be part of an "Investigating Christianity" group.
The centre plays a vital role in the local community – an HIV-positive lady who came to the centre for help was introduced to her local church. She spoke of what the centre did for her:
"Cell group members and friends from within and outside of the church came to visit me most of the time, to pray with me and read the Bible almost every day. I have never seen so much love. I guess it's always been there, I just had to accept and be loved."
> AIDS Resource Centre brings hope
> www.roadtohelp.co.za – online version of the road map
> Test-a-thon success for college students
> South Africa country profile
> More about counselling and testing
