Community participation and leadership in spotlight on World Aids Day [excerpt]
Healthcare workers have joined people around the world to commemorate World Aids Day on 1 December 2023 and have highlighted the important role communities play in shaping the HIV/AIDS response.
 
At Stikland Hospital, healthcare workers commemorated the day through art and unveiled a monument. Sr Valerie Nel, a clinical coordinator at the hospital, explains: “The unveiling of our HIV monument is what we call our affirmation monument to symbolise the foundation that has been built by our predecessors and colleagues in educating and creating awareness regarding the global HIV crisis. It was a community response. We have built this foundation in our community of Stikland Hospital and are going to continue building on this. The affirmation monument acknowledges the progress made in the treatment of HIV and our colleagues in the community. We take the theme of “let the communities lead” to all our wards with screening, education and creating awareness for clients and staff.

Our add on to this is “where there is life there is hope”. The monument also symbolises hope. We will also plant a tree to symbolize growth in our endeavours to combat HIV by strengthening our commitment. As the tree grows it will symbolise the growth in awareness, and the shade the tree offers symbolises the safe haven for all where we will endeavour to minimise stigma and discrimination experienced by those with HIV. This will also affirm our commitment to good patient experience of care.”

Photos © Stikland Hospital Western Cape Government

1 Dezember 2023
Western Cape Government news staff, Cape Town