A Community of Care

At a glance

Sisters and neighbors, Thandazili and Sbusile, are part of a CDC-supported Community antiretroviral treatment (ART) Support Group that helps increase access for those in need of HIV treatment.

Thandazili and Sbusile's Story

Two sisters stand side by side holding hands.
Sisters, Thandazili and Sbusile, help increase access for those in need of HIV treatment.
SOURCE:

Photo credit: Thom Pierce 2018

Sisters Thandazili and Sbusile live side by side in rural Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa - the epicenter of the world's HIV epidemic. To get their HIV medications, they once walked one hour each way to reach the closest health clinic. Once there, they would wait hours for treatment. But no more.

Thanks to a CDC/PEPFAR program, they now access their treatment through a community-based antiretroviral treatment (ART) program just steps away from their home. It's part of an innovative HIV service delivery model that brings the treatment to the patient through monthly community meetings. There, the sisters receive treatment in a convenient location – one that no longer requires them to incur travel expenses and time away from work. More than this, these community ART groups provide them a chance to meet others living with HIV in a safe environment, free from stigma. For Thandazili and Sbusile, and millions more like them, attending these group meetings helps them to stay on treatment and stay healthy.

Before, you could spend an entire day trying to get your medicine. You are hungry, you are tired. At times, I almost did not go. But now, we are able to get our medication almost in our own back yard. If one of us is starting to be discouraged, we are able to say, look, look at me, I am strong, I am healthy!
-Thandazili

Resources

HIV and TB Overview: South Africa
A summary of CDC's HIV and TB programs, services, and partnerships in South Africa.
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Content Source:
Global Health Center