By Astrid Gifford | MD
It has been such a difficult time due to the Corona Virus pandemic, but we have been continuing with the following projects, trying as much as we can to make a difference and helping our communities. It is however a tough road, as we had to adapt to a new normal.
Home visits
Zintathu our HIV Counsellor has visited more homes as it was the safest way to keep everyone updated. In these unprecedented times it was of paramount importance to support our community members who have to take HIV medication. It was difficult to get to the clinics and pharmacies due to the national lock down. There was even shortish of medication and Zinathu had to encourage people to not give up but check for their medication with their clinic staff and doctors. Extra counselling was needed as the people were suffering from job loss and beginning to starve. Taking HIV medication on an empty stomach can cause grave side effects.
Home Based Care groups
Zintathu worked hard to educate the Home-Based Care workers about Covid-19 and the raging pandemic. She continued with their monthly meetings and gave out a lot of information materials in form of booklets and pamphlets concerning hygiene and prevention of transmission. Special workshops were given to 5 groups, focusing on dealing with HIV/Aids clients during the pandemic.
School visits
Some schools closed their doors to outside visitors, as part of Covid-19 protection. Zintathu was allowed into 2 schools to educate the pupils about hygiene and Covid-19, but also continued to teach about teenage pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse.
Sanitary towels
Zintathu and her sewing ladies managed to make 1800 reusable sanitary pads and distribute them to most needy young girls. We hope having secure protection will help the girls to stay in school and be able to learn continuously. Each pack has 10 sanitary pads inside.
Cataract surgery
We provide transport for Cataract patients who need to go from Canzibe Hospital to Zithulele hospital for operations. We only had one trip with 10 patients due to the pandemic. Slowly things get back to normal and we are planning the next trip in November.
Community Awareness
Zintathu invites the whole community to attend the community awareness events to get information about Covid-19 and HIV/Aids once a month. At the events she provides everyone with masks, takes their temperature, sanitizes the participants hands and practices social distancing by seating them 1.5m apart. Windows and Doors stay open or the event is held on the lawn.
We would like to thank every single one of you for your support through these difficult times.
Yours sincerely
TransCape Team
Links:
By Zinathu Luvalo | Health Counselor and Project Manager
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