Knysna Anti-Retroviral Therapy
Centre - Up and running
Five Aids patients are currently receiving free anti-retroviral (ARV) medication at the new anti-retroviral centre in the Knysna Provincial Hospital.
Irene Rinsma, HIV-TB Co-ordinator for Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, said the centre held ARV clinics once a week. The counsellors are Ntombekhaye Mngovu and Annelien Damons.
The centre is ready to receive more patients. Patients must first go to a municipal clinic in their area, which will refer them to the ARV centre.
If you are HIV+ and want to qualify for ARV, you must:
1. Go to a municipal clinic, staff will conduct tests to determine whether you need ARV therapy and if you do will refer you to the ARV centre.
2. Prove you are reliable by arriving for three clinic appointments.
3. Not abuse alcohol or drugs or suffer from acute-depression.
4. Have accepted your HIV status and have told one friend or family member, or have joined a support group.
5. Understand the consequences of this infection and the role of ARV treatment.
6. Be able to attend regular clinics at the ARV centre.
Knysna Aids Council and Knysna Support Group for People Living with HIV/Aids (044) 382 0989 or 084705 2505. AIDS Helpline 0800 012322.
Centre - Up and running
Five Aids patients are currently receiving free anti-retroviral (ARV) medication at the new anti-retroviral centre in the Knysna Provincial Hospital.
Irene Rinsma, HIV-TB Co-ordinator for Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, said the centre held ARV clinics once a week. The counsellors are Ntombekhaye Mngovu and Annelien Damons.
The centre is ready to receive more patients. Patients must first go to a municipal clinic in their area, which will refer them to the ARV centre.
If you are HIV+ and want to qualify for ARV, you must:
1. Go to a municipal clinic, staff will conduct tests to determine whether you need ARV therapy and if you do will refer you to the ARV centre.
2. Prove you are reliable by arriving for three clinic appointments.
3. Not abuse alcohol or drugs or suffer from acute-depression.
4. Have accepted your HIV status and have told one friend or family member, or have joined a support group.
5. Understand the consequences of this infection and the role of ARV treatment.
6. Be able to attend regular clinics at the ARV centre.
Knysna Aids Council and Knysna Support Group for People Living with HIV/Aids (044) 382 0989 or 084705 2505. AIDS Helpline 0800 012322.
