TransCape NPO, South Africa

HIV/AIDS has a devastating impact on the people living in the rural communities of the Eastern Cape; at least 20% of the adult population is HIV positive. Despite this high prevalence, there is a distinct lack of awareness about HIV/AIDS, how it affects the human body, and what can be done to alleviate it.

It is important to realize the complexity of social and economic factors that hinder communities from becoming aware of, and pro-actively addressing HIV/AIDS. Sociologically, one need only look to how it is shrouded in silence due to stigma and taboo; people will die having suffered from HIV/AIDS, but the cause of death will often remain ‘unknown’. Gender inequalities also play an important role. In a society where a woman’s right to say no to sex is not upheld, forced, unprotected sex leading to the likelihood of contracting HIV/AIDS is a reality that she faces constantly.  

“At least 20% are HIV positive”

The epidemic is exacerbated by an economic context of poverty. There are several opportunities to become ill, due to lack of nutritious food, poor sanitation, and lack of information on how to live healthily. The Government health service provision in the rural areas is scarce; clinics and hospitals are insufficient in number and under-resourced in trained staff or medication. This, combined with lack of transport and badly surfaced roads means that people often fail to get to a clinic or hospital to access treatment and care even in the most extreme cases of bad health.

Long-term changes need to occur at a national level in order to improve the situation in the still developing parts of South Africa, but in the meantime it is important to mobilize communities to address HIV/AIDS and other health issues as much as possible. In order for this to happen there needs to be increased awareness and knowledge, better access to health services, including advice, treatment and care, and a network of support at community level.

The impact of HIV/AIDS on population structure will be felt in South Africa in the next few years as more and more people become ill and die. HIV/AIDS is most common among young adults - the people who are usually economically active and who care for children and older people

Health Infrastructure and Services upgrades and maintenance

TransCape has been approached by the local hospital management and the doctors working there to support with infrastructure upgrades and maintenance of the buildings on the hospital premises.

We are currently upgrading the following: TB Ward ARV Unit Dr’s Accommodation

The following we still need funds for:

• Nurses Accommodation
• Maternity Observation Center
• Children’s Ward
• Clinic Counseling rooms

We are also running a center for malnourished children at Canzibe Hospital called Nokuphila Provide HIV positive mothers with formula milk Provide financial support to children identified by doctors as being in need of basic necessities