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The message on World Aids Day from Johannesburg was one of taking personal responsibility – get tested, know your status, be safe, be faithful.
MEMBERS of non-governmental organisations (NGO) and city officials from all over Joburg marched through the streets of Maraisburg on World Aids Day, spreading the message of safe sex and exposing the stigma surrounding the HI virus and Aids.
Tebogo Motsepe from the City's health department addresses marchers
The march ended at the world’s only Aids village, Sparrow Rainbow Village, in the west of the city, where NGOs were praised for the work they did in the battle against Aids and candles were lit in remembrance of those lost and those left behind.
A representative of the City’s health department, Tebogo Motsepe, urged people to fight together against HIV/Aids, as well as the stigma surrounding it. “We still face major challenges in defeating this monster and we will only be successful if we work together.”
Phillip Molekoa, of the Human Rights Commission, emphasised the importance of people living responsibly: “As individuals we are responsible for our actions and collectively we must spread the message of responsibility. Be responsible by having one sexual partner, by knowing your status and by practising safe sex every time.”
This message of responsibility extended to ensuring the human right to health by using the facilities available, like community clinics and free antiretrovirals (ARVs). Sparrow Village will celebrate its 18th birthday in early 2011.
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“Our goal is to provide care and comfort to adults and children who have been infected with or affected by the HIV/Aids pandemic. But be certain - we are a safe haven not a leper colony,” said Reverend Corine McClintock, the chief executive and founder of the village.
“Just a few years ago we were losing on average five children and five adults a week. Thanks to our loving and hard working staff and the wonders of ARVs, we have lost only one patient in the past two years.”
One such success story is the tale of a once-affluent project engineer. “I was so convinced that I would never get the disease as it was only something homosexuals and black people could get. I was diagnosed 18 years ago,” he said.
Sending out a message: A marcher during the World Aids Day commemoration at Sparrow Village
“When I came to Sparrow Village I was only 46 kilograms. I had lost everything. My wife had left me, I was too ill to work so I lost my job and then my house. The village restored my dignity. It gave me back my life.”
McClintock discussed the village’s humble beginnings: “We began in 1992 with just three men whom we housed here in Florida. Shortly thereafter, a mother and baby joined us and ever since then we have just grown.”
At the moment, the village houses 300 people, of whom 36 are adults in the hospice facility. Over 200 children are housed in the 10 housemother-run cluster homes. One these youngsters is 16-year-old Wendy Seleko, who is the lead singer in the village’s youth group, the Sparrows.
“I have been at Sparrow Village for four years now. I wish all those with the disease would realise that they have nothing to be ashamed about. Don’t let your status get you down,” she said. The group performed one of Wendy’s own songs as a part of the festivities.
Sparrow Village was one of the first facilities to take in mothers and their children, a philosophy which many other centres are now adopting. At present, it has 10 mothers and their children.
McClintock is positive that events such as World Aids Day help to destroy the stigma surrounding HIV and Aids. For more information about Sparrow Rainbow Village or to enquire about donations or volunteer work, contact them on 011 472 6628 or visit their website.
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