HIV/AIDS Epidemic in South Africa
McCord Hospital in Durban, which served the poorest, most marginalized communities of KwaZulu-Natal for over 100 years, was at the forefront of the nation’s fight against HIV/AIDS. Its renowned Sinikithemba Clinic offered holistic care and treatment for HIV patients at a subsidized price and the exceptional PMTCT program boasted an average mother-to-child transmission rate of consistently less than 3% from 2008 to 2011, at a time when the nationwide transmission rate was significantly higher. While such programs were highly successful, some patients were still unable to afford to be tested, to pay for medication or to have their bloods checked regularly. Others were just too fraught with shame and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS to seek help for themselves or their family. It was in response to this need that The Gift of Hope came into existence.
Much progress has been made in the South African epidemic in the years since the Gift of Hope was established. The rate of new infections has declined, and vertical transmission from mother to child nationally is now close to the levels achieved at McCord. The South African government has stepped up to its responsibility of providing free ARVS for all of its citizens in need, and more and more people in need are now on life saving medication. But there are still enormous needs and gaps in care. The Gift of Hope remains focused on addressing these until we reach the goals articulated in the 2011 World AIDS Day theme: “Getting to Zero”—Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.”
Please join us on our journey of hope as we address the ongoing needs in South Africa and work to reach these goals and bring hope to those in need.
"Of all the forces that make for a better world, none is so indispensable,
none so powerful, as hope."
— Charles W. Sawyer |