The MEC said that the launch of the specialised health care centre had “expanded access to comprehensive health services for some our most vulnerable people”.
These, said Mahlangu, included “injecting drug users, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and the wider lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community.”
Inaugurated by Mahlangu in September 2015, the clinic is believed to be a world first.
Since its launch and up to the end of March 2016, the facility has provided services to more than 1,473 clients.
The TEN81 Centre staff complement includes two full time registered nurses and two lay counsellors. The following services are offered:
• HIV counselling and testing (HCT)
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings and treatment
• Tuberculosis (TB) screenings
• Provision of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
• Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
• HIV management (CD4 and viral load)
• Pap smears
• Basic wound care and provisions of clean needles and syringes
• General medical, sexual health, and safer sex consultations
• Individual and couple counselling
• Condoms and lubrication
The services are free, professional, friendly, confidential and non-judgemental. Office hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Appointments can be made by calling 012 430 2081.