| Don’t start something you can’t sustain. It’s one of the Trust’s guiding principles. But giving up is not an option for our HIV/AIDS programme because every practical aspect of the programme is rooted in one or other of the Trust’s existing activities, some of them nearly 19 years old. And every emotional aspect is just as solidly grounded – mutual trust is a cornerstone of Hantam life. And trust leads to co-operation.
And so, after a slow start, our HIV/AIDS programme is starting to show modest signs of progress: 165 are receiving counseling, 33 are willing to be tested, 73 have been tested and of these, 5 are positive. Four of the patients have AIDS and on anti-retroviral medication.
Five patients have passed away.
Our trained health workers make regular house visits, and consult with clinic staff to stengthen and focus their fieldwork. They form personal relationships with community members, making their interventions more effective. And the Trust’s role in every aspect of community life means its AIDS programme is holistic and meaningful.
People ask Lesley about the Trust’s HIV/AIDS programme. “This whole project is our AIDS programme,” she says.
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