These communities are recognised as being amongst the “most at risk” of infection and living with HIV and TB. According to South Africa’s National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs (2012-2016), “targeting this group is critical to a successful HIV response.”
OUT Director Dawie Nel explains: “Because of social stigma, criminalisation and the very real fear of discrimination, members of these communities are often wary of approaching mainstream health service providers.”
“At the Ten81 Centre they are assured of professional health services, confidentially and a warm and understanding welcome. They won’t be judged and can feel safe being whoever they are.”
He adds: “We applaud the Gauteng Department of Health for its commitment to providing appropriate services to all of the province’s citizens, including its most marginalised.”
The Ten81 Centre, located at OUT’s offices, a short walk from the Hatfield Gautrain Station, will offer two full time nurses and an in-clinic doctor once a week.
All services are free and include:
• Provision of ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy)
• Provision of PEP (Post exposure prophylaxis)
• Viral load monitoring and general HIV management
• STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) screening and treatment
• TB screening and treatment
• Clean needles and wound care
• Overdose prevention
• Psychosocial Counselling and support
Office hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Appointments can be made by calling 012 430 3272.
ENDS
OUT LGBT Well-being has been providing services to the South African LGBT community for more than 21 years. OUT offers sexual health and psychosocial services; conducts research; trains mainstream services to meet the needs of their LGBT clients; and lobbies for LGBT equality. OUT is registered with the Department of Social Development as a non-profit organisation. For more information please contact Dawie Nel on 012 430 3272 / neld@out.org.za.