Latest news with #HIV-positive
The Citizen
a day 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!
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Gauteng High Court's mediation directive faces legal action from accident victim
A car accident victim is challenging a directive by the Gauteng high court which makes mediation mandatory before civil trials are heard. She demands her day in court and says she cannot afford mediation. Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers WHILE the Constitutional Court has declined leave to a law firm to directly approach the apex court in an urgent bid to overturn a directive introducing mandatory mediation in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, a vehicle accident victim who is also objecting to the directives will take her plight to court. The Durban-based woman, who is left a paraplegic following the accident, will turn to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria later in June to ultimately have the directives issued by the head of the court overturned. She said her accident occurred six years ago and she eventually obtained a court date issued in 2023 for her hearing. Her matter is scheduled to be heard in August this year, but her case is now first subject to arbitration in terms of the directive. This follows a directive issued by Judge President Dunstan Mlambo earlier this year that the Johannesburg and Pretoria high courts no longer allocate trial dates for civil cases (cases where evidence is being led, such as damages claims). Litigants, who in these cases want a judge to determine their issues, must first prove that they have tried to resolve their issues via mediation. A trial date will be allocated only if mediation does not resolve the issues, and they can prove via a certificate that they did try it. The Office of the Chief Justice earlier explained that there are no alternatives as the Gauteng Divisions simply cannot cope with the heavy workload. Judge Mlambo also commented in his directive that the bulk of these cases are, in any event, settled on the day of the trial. Thus, the mediation route is the practical solution so that judges can be freed to adjudicate over other matters. The woman will meanwhile bring her application in two parts - the first is that she and others may retain the court dates they have secured before the new directive came into force in April. The second part in which she is contesting the legality of the directive, will be heard at a later stage. The accident victim in this new legal challenge explained that it is expected of her (and others) to first pay the mediation fees before a mediator can adjudicate her case. She explained that before the accident she was a hairdresser. As she is now wheelchair-bound, her only income is a social grant. She is also HIV-positive and struggles with health issues. She said in an affidavit that this application is to ensure that she has her day in court. The applicant stated that the directive differentiates between plaintiff litigants and the RAF regarding the amount payable for mediation and when it's payable. The RAF, she claims, is only liable for R15,000 per mediation, which only becomes payable 30 days after the receipt of the mediation report. A plaintiff, on the other hand, must pay the balance of the mediation fee upfront. 'If a plaintiff litigant does not pay, no mediation can be conducted and no trial date can be obtained,' she stated. According to the plaintiff, she cannot pay for mediation and this will result in her being denied justice. She also questioned the constitutional validity of the directive. Gert Nel Inc Attorneys, through its director Gert Nel, in his now failed bid to the ConCourt, questioned whether this move for mandatory mediation is constitutionally sound. In an affidavit accompanying his urgent application, Nel said there are constitutional limits on judicial power.
The Citizen
2 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!
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Statewide TB awareness drive from June 1
Bhopal: A state-wide Intensive TB Free India Campaign will begin on June 1, with Bhopal among the key districts where health workers will reach out to vulnerable populations at transport hubs, health centres and industrial sites, officials said on Saturday. Dr Prabhakar Tiwari, Chief Medical and Health Officer of Bhopal, announced that camps would operate at transport hubs, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, health centres, factories, construction sites, and industrial areas to ensure comprehensive coverage of working-class communities. The initiative focuses on screening, investigating, and treating high-risk patients, following the previous 100-day Nikshay camps held in 23 priority districts from December 7 to March 25, 2025. The campaign specifically addresses diabetics, the malnourished, smokers, alcohol users, former TB patients, contacts and HIV-positive individuals, utilising NAAT and X-ray for diagnosis. The campaign involves collaboration with local bodies, self-help groups, and various health committees. It aims to identify new Nikshay Mitras and TB Champions, whilst conducting awareness programmes through religious leaders, cultural activities, and school events. The initiative includes "Ni-Kshay Saptah" activities across government departments.
The Citizen
3 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!
