Latest news with #ClosetheGap
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Hospital opens HIV clinic for high-risk patients
Tambo Memorial Hospital took a significant step in the fight against HIV/Aids by launching a Virological Failure Specialised Clinic to support HIV-positive patients struggling with unsuppressed viral loads and difficulties in adhering to treatment and appointment schedules. This targeted intervention is designed to improve patient outcomes and curb the spread of HIV in surrounding communities. Initially focused on children with high viral loads due to inconsistent treatment and social issues, the clinic quickly expanded its services. 'When we started, we primarily worked with children whose viral loads were not decreasing because of irregular treatment and social challenges,' said Serengwane Lethuba, the HIV, Aids, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis (HAST) manager at the hospital. 'Soon, we identified a rising number of adult patients on first- and second-line antiretroviral therapy regimens who were also failing to achieve viral suppression. Many of them were being escalated to third-line treatment, prompting urgent intervention. 'The team did a focused sampling of 89 patients experiencing persistent virological failure to better understand the challenges and adapt their approach.' Operating every Tuesday, the clinic is run by a clinical team including a doctor, a clinical nurse practitioner and an HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. Lethuba said that together, they provide personalised and comprehensive care. One of the clinic's key findings has been the impact of non-disclosure of HIV status, which often contributes to poor adherence and ongoing virological failure. ALSO READ: Tilly Brouwer retires after 21 years at St Francis 'To address this, we incorporated the social work department into the clinic's multidisciplinary team. Social workers assist in overcoming psychological and social barriers to treatment, helping patients navigate issues around disclosure and providing continuous support. 'This integrated approach has already shown positive outcomes, with many patients achieving viral suppression within three months of targeted intervention.' He said they also use a proactive system in which nurses review patient data and follow up telephonically to remind and encourage patients to attend appointments. 'Once at the clinic, patients receive co-ordinated care from the full team, which includes medical assessments, counselling and psychosocial support. 'The initiative supports the national Close the Gap campaign launched by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. 'The campaign seeks to trace patients who defaulted on treatment, those newly diagnosed but not yet on therapy, and individuals failing to suppress the virus.' The Tambo Memorial Hospital has localised this campaign to create a dignified, supportive environment for patients to re-engage with their treatment. HIV-positive individuals in Boksburg, Benoni and nearby areas facing challenges with treatment or viral load suppression are encouraged to visit the Virological Failure Clinic every Tuesday. 'Our specialised clinic is a safe space where patients are empowered and supported to fight HIV effectively,' concluded Lethuba. The clinic is located inside the Tambo Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 011 898 8331. ALSO READ: ARVs are assisting millions of HIV patients to live long and healthy lives At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Tambo Memorial Hospital opens HIV clinic for high-risk patients
The Tambo Memorial Hospital took a significant step in the fight against HIV/Aids by launching a Virological Failure Specialised Clinic to support HIV-positive patients struggling with unsuppressed viral loads and difficulties in adhering to treatment and appointment schedules. This targeted intervention is designed to improve patient outcomes and curb the spread of HIV in surrounding communities. Initially focused on children with high viral loads due to inconsistent treatment and social issues, the clinic quickly expanded its services. 'When we started, we primarily worked with children whose viral loads were not decreasing because of irregular treatment and social challenges,' said Serengwane Lethuba, the HIV, Aids, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis (HAST) manager at the hospital. 'Soon, we identified a rising number of adult patients on first- and second-line antiretroviral therapy regimens who were also failing to achieve viral suppression. Many of them were being escalated to third-line treatment, prompting urgent intervention. 'The team did a focused sampling of 89 patients experiencing persistent virological failure to better understand the challenges and adapt their approach.' Operating every Tuesday, the clinic is run by a clinical team including a doctor, a clinical nurse practitioner and an HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. Lethuba said that together, they provide personalised and comprehensive care. One of the clinic's key findings has been the impact of non-disclosure of HIV status, which often contributes to poor adherence and ongoing virological failure. 'To address this, we incorporated the social work department into the clinic's multidisciplinary team. Social workers assist in overcoming psychological and social barriers to treatment, helping patients navigate issues around disclosure and providing continuous support. 'This integrated approach has already shown positive outcomes, with many patients achieving viral suppression within three months of targeted intervention.' He said they also use a proactive system in which nurses review patient data and follow up telephonically to remind and encourage patients to attend appointments. 'Once at the clinic, patients receive co-ordinated care from the full team, which includes medical assessments, counselling and psychosocial support. The initiative supports the national Close the Gap campaign launched by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. ALSO CHECK: OPVOLG: Ekurhuleni pomp riool besoedelde swembad in Elliotstraat leeg 'The campaign seeks to trace patients who defaulted on treatment, those newly diagnosed but not yet on therapy, and individuals failing to suppress the virus.' The Tambo Memorial Hospital has localised this campaign to create a dignified, supportive environment for patients to re-engage with their treatment. HIV-positive individuals in Boksburg, Benoni and nearby areas facing challenges with treatment or viral load suppression are encouraged to visit the Virological Failure Clinic every Tuesday. 'Our specialised clinic is a safe space where patients are empowered and supported to fight HIV effectively,' concluded Lethuba. The clinic is located inside the Tambo Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 011 898 8331. ALSO CHECK: Want coverage for your local sports event? Contact the Brakpan Herald At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Tambo Memorial Hospital launches specialised HIV clinic to Boost treatment success
The Tambo Memorial Hospital took a significant step in the fight against HIV/Aids by launching a Virological Failure Specialised Clinic to support HIV-positive patients struggling with unsuppressed viral loads and difficulties in adhering to treatment and appointment schedules. This targeted intervention is designed to improve patient outcomes and curb the spread of HIV in surrounding communities. Initially focused on children with high viral loads due to inconsistent treatment and social issues, the clinic quickly expanded its services. 'When we started, we primarily worked with children whose viral loads were not decreasing because of irregular treatment and social challenges,' said Serengwane Lethuba, the HIV, Aids, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis (HAST) manager at the hospital. 'Soon, we identified a rising number of adult patients on first- and second-line antiretroviral therapy regimens who were also failing to achieve viral suppression. Many of them were being escalated to third-line treatment, prompting urgent intervention. ALSO READ: Give Us Wings launches blanket drive to help vulnerable people 'The team did a focused sampling of 89 patients experiencing persistent virological failure to better understand the challenges and adapt their approach.' Operating every Tuesday, the clinic is run by a clinical team including a doctor, a clinical nurse practitioner and an HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. Lethuba said that together, they provide personalised and comprehensive care. One of the clinic's key findings has been the impact of non-disclosure of HIV status, which often contributes to poor adherence and ongoing virological failure. 'To address this, we incorporated the social work department into the clinic's multidisciplinary team. Social workers assist in overcoming psychological and social barriers to treatment, helping patients navigate issues around disclosure and providing continuous support. 'This integrated approach has already shown positive outcomes, with many patients achieving viral suppression within three months of targeted intervention.' He said they also use a proactive system in which nurses review patient data and follow up telephonically to remind and encourage patients to attend appointments. 'Once at the clinic, patients receive co-ordinated care from the full team, which includes medical assessments, counselling and psychosocial support. ALSO READ: Residents tackle overgrown grass at Protea Park amid safety concerns 'The initiative supports the national Close the Gap campaign launched by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. The campaign seeks to trace patients who defaulted on treatment, those newly diagnosed but not yet on therapy, and individuals failing to suppress the virus.' The Tambo Memorial Hospital has localised this campaign to create a dignified, supportive environment for patients to re-engage with their treatment. HIV-positive individuals in Boksburg, Benoni and nearby areas facing challenges with treatment or viral load suppression are encouraged to visit the Virological Failure Clinic every Tuesday. 'Our specialised clinic is a safe space where patients are empowered and supported to fight HIV effectively,' concluded Lethuba. The clinic is located inside the Tambo Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 011 898 8331. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Local hospital tackles HIV treatment gaps with new virological failure clinic
The Tambo Memorial Hospital took a significant step in the fight against HIV/Aids by launching a Virological Failure Specialised Clinic to support HIV-positive patients struggling with unsuppressed viral loads and difficulties in adhering to treatment and appointment schedules. This targeted intervention is designed to improve patient outcomes and curb the spread of HIV in surrounding communities. Initially focused on children with high viral loads due to inconsistent treatment and social issues, the clinic quickly expanded its services. ALSO READ: Modderfontein hospital makes weight-loss surgery breakthrough 'When we started, we primarily worked with children whose viral loads were not decreasing because of irregular treatment and social challenges,' said Serengwane Lethuba, the HIV, Aids, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis (HAST) manager at the hospital. 'Soon, we identified a rising number of adult patients on first- and second-line antiretroviral therapy regimens who were also failing to achieve viral suppression. Many of them were being escalated to third-line treatment, prompting urgent intervention. 'The team did a focused sampling of 89 patients experiencing persistent virological failure to better understand the challenges and adapt their approach.' Operating every Tuesday, the clinic is run by a clinical team including a doctor, a clinical nurse practitioner and an HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. ALSO READ: Steps taken to improve services at Ekurhuleni hospitals Lethuba said that together, they provide personalised and comprehensive care. One of the clinic's key findings has been the impact of non-disclosure of HIV status, which often contributes to poor adherence and ongoing virological failure. 'To address this, we incorporated the social work department into the clinic's multidisciplinary team. Social workers assist in overcoming psychological and social barriers to treatment, helping patients navigate issues around disclosure and providing continuous support. 'This integrated approach has already shown positive outcomes, with many patients achieving viral suppression within three months of targeted intervention.' He said they also use a proactive system in which nurses review patient data and follow up telephonically to remind and encourage patients to attend appointments. 'Once at the clinic, patients receive co-ordinated care from the full team, which includes medical assessments, counselling and psychosocial support. ALSO READ: Edenvale Regional Hospital shares plans for the year ahead 'The initiative supports the national Close the Gap campaign launched by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. 'The campaign seeks to trace patients who defaulted on treatment, those newly diagnosed but not yet on therapy, and individuals failing to suppress the virus.' The Tambo Memorial Hospital has localised this campaign to create a dignified, supportive environment for patients to re-engage with their treatment. HIV-positive individuals in Boksburg, Benoni and nearby areas facing challenges with treatment or viral load suppression are encouraged to visit the Virological Failure Clinic every Tuesday. 'Our specialised clinic is a safe space where patients are empowered and supported to fight HIV effectively,' concluded Lethuba. The clinic is located inside the Tambo Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 011 898 8331. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
WA to Pay $85,000 to Indigenous Survivors of the Stolen Generations
Western Australia (WA) has unveiled a long-awaited scheme to financially compensate members of the Stolen Generations, offering up to $85,000 per person. The scheme will deliver individual taxpayer-funded payments to Aboriginals removed from their families by the state prior to July 1, 1972. State Premier Roger Cook said the gesture was a necessary step. 'No amount of money could ever make up for the experience of Stolen Generations members and their families, and the ongoing effects on people's lives,' he said. Applications for the scheme will open later in 2025, with initial payments expected to be processed by year's end. The announcement aligns WA with almost all other states and territories, with Queensland now the only jurisdiction without such a program. Announcement Follows 'Sorry Day' Observance The decision comes a day after National Sorry Day, which commemorates the release of the 1997 Bringing Them Home report. That report chronicled the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children forcibly taken from their communities over several decades. Related Stories 5/11/2025 4/24/2025 WA has historically seen the highest number of children removed under these policies. Compensation for survivors was among more than 50 key recommendations made in the report. Cook called the announcement 'a major step in the pursuit of reconciliation and healing.' In February, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed federal support would continue. 'The process of healing that began with the Apology goes on, a process we are assisting by extending the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme to June 30, 2028,' Albanese said during his address marking the 17th anniversary of the national apology. Support from Aboriginal Group The Healing Foundation, a national organisation supporting Stolen Generations survivors, praised the WA government's move. CEO Shannan Dodson said the decision followed years of advocacy. 'I pay tribute and honour all the Stolen Generations organisations that have advocated and stood alongside survivors throughout this long journey,' she said. She noted that while financial compensation cannot erase the trauma, it does offer acknowledgment and some form of restitution. Concerns Scheme Lacks Nuance Chair of the Close the Gap Research group, Gary Johns, said the premier was correct in saying the state could not change history. 'The scheme does not distinguish Indigenous children taken from families, to those given up, or those taken responsibly for their protection, and those who allegedly were stolen,' he told The Epoch Times. 'By lumping every applicant together the moral underpinning of the scheme has been degraded,' he added, saying it erred more towards virtue signalling. 'Taxpayers should condemn the scheme.'
