Sophumelela Centre
East London, South Africa
Sophumelela Centre, run by First City Baptist church, supplies antiretroviral medication and associated support to HIV-positive patients. The support service is vital to ensure that patients understand how to take their medication to ensure its effectiveness.
There are more than 640 people on antiretroviral medication who visit the Centre monthly and over 2,300 people who have been assessed and return every six months for check ups. EngageHIV is supporting the employment of Siya Nana and Pamela Stofile, both chaplains working alongside staff, volunteers and patients to provide spiritual care.
Dr Ethne has seen just how valuable the chaplain service can be …
“I had a difficult patient who had defaulted from treatment. His entire family is HIV-positive and he did not trust antiretrovirals. After about six months he decided to come back and recommence treatment. I asked him what would be different this time and he said ‘I think that I need to turn my life around. I need to get right with God.’ I was able to introduce him to our chaplain who prayed with him and gave him relevant Bible passages to read. This spiritual care is vital.”
Dr Ethne was also overjoyed to see a familiar face recently: "A well-dressed, young lady was chatting to one of our ARV monitors, when she asked me if I remembered her. She reminded me that she was once too weak to walk, and was brought into the clinic in a wheelchair. She has now made a wonderful recovery and proudly informs us that she is now an HIV and AIDS Coordinator in the Transkei!"
Vicky also acknowledges how important Sophumelela’s work is …
“Rose worked as a domestic help for me, but she started getting sick and never seemed to get better. I took her to my doctor and went with her for the HIV test results. When the doctor told us she tested positive, I was devastated.
“Sophumelela has been absolutely wonderful. I cannot believe that Rose is still with us and is healthy and excited about life again. She is an inspiration to us all. I don’t think that Rose would be where she is today if it wasn’t for the centre. She has returned to work part-time and I continue to pray that God will bless her and the staff.” (Rose is not her real name.)
The organisation also runs a preschool for HIV-affected children, support groups and skills training, including sewing and landscape gardening. Through all its programmes it seeks to offer a truly holistic service to the local community.
> South Africa country profile
> More about antiretroviral rollout
