HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM AT PAKAMISA

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve conducted their third health clinic for all the staff at the end of June. These clinics have proven to be extremely important, not only for managing the health status of the staff, but for the educational value that is shared in the group.

The clinics are run by Siloah Lutheran Hospital situated approximately 60kms away in the rolling hills of Dlomodlomo. 

They are an NPO, funded by the Department of Health, and a primary health care facility providing HIV, AIDS and TB-related treatment, care and support services. Their health care program monitors, and proactively works towards the improved health and well-being of families in surrounding areas. They provide HIV counselling and testing (HCT). They are an accredited anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment initiation and on-going treatment site.

Statistically there are over 6 million confirmed cases of HIV in South Africa, ie. 12.5% of the total population (estimated at 50million). Of these, 3.5 million are being treated through Government or private outlets. This means that 2.5 million cases are untreated, possibly due to lack of testing. It is essential to encourage people to be tested and treated as soon as possible.

According to Dr. Heinz Niebuhr, CEO and Clinical Manager at Siloah, there are an estimated 200 new HIV infections daily in the 16 – 30 year age group. These young women are extremely vulnerable as they have a tendency to be seduced by older men, known as ‘blessers’. Once these relationships terminate the girls gravitate back to their own age group males, and the cycle of infection is well under way. Women are testing for HIV, but it proves more difficult to persuade men.

Thankfully the incidence of TB infection has halved in the past 5 years among women as they tend to be in a treatment program. In fact the transmission of HIV from pregnant mother to child has declined dramatically to almost zero incidence, again thanks to women being more responsive to testing and treatment.

Pakamisa is extremely grateful to Siloah for their commitment to our 

health and wellness program and collectively we hope to 

reduce the incidence of HIV and TB in our community.

CONTACT:

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve:

Phone: +27 83 229 1811

E-mail: res@pakamisa.co.za

Pakamisa Website

Siloah Lutheran Hospital
Phone: 034 907 5224
E-mail: hfn@lantic.net

Love Life

Live Healthy

(Pic: professionals from Siloah at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve)

Siloah Lutheran TB Hospital is just outside Louwsberg in a remote setting called Ehlomohlomo. This clinic has saved many South African lives, and I can personally vouch for that. One of my staff members was seriously ill with TB and AIDs, and they pulled her through (her CD4 count was 5!!! A healthy person’s is 1,000). 

Today she is a strapping young lass holding down a good job.

In northern Zululand TB and HIV/ AIDs has taken its toll. 

Education and a healthy lifestyle are huge contributors to halting this epidemic.

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve invited Siloah in September 2013 to do a workshop for their staff of 35. They repeated the process again this year. Today’s clinic was a huge success now that the employees are more acquainted with the Siloah professionals.

As one ranger said “It is good to know this information. We have learnt a lot and we will share it with our communities. It is important to know your status.”

5 German volunteers, working at Pakamisa, were amazed at this level of interaction. “We really appreciated being involved. I have not seen this been done in Europe for HIV/ AIDs awareness. Sure, we practice safe sex, but that’s to protect us against STDs and unwanted pregnancies. There were some awkward moments during the lectures, but I was amazed how open everyone was and the number of questions that were asked.”

Sister Dlamini, from Siloah, was also very pleased with the success of today’s clinic and felt that a partnership and a bond has been established between Siloah and Pakamisa, and this will surely lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Siloah is only funded by the Department of Health as their contract with USAID recently expired. The hospital has 145 beds. Occupancy is seasonal with the hotter months being higher. Most patients are admitted for 2 months for full recovery. This period has been shortened now that oral medication for TB is available and treatment can be administered at home. 

Patients qualify for ARVs immediately, if necessary. There is no waiting period.

It is encouraging that lodges in remote areas, like Pakamisa, are enabling their staff to have access to this level of education and treatment.

Indeed – love life, live healthy.

Amen.

Other blogs by Lois Kuhle:

SMOKE RINGS IN CUBA. A TWO WEEK JOURNEY FILLED WITH SALSA, SUNSHINE AND SILLY PEOPLE: http://smokeringsincuba.blogspot.com/2013/10/smoke-rings-in-cuba-journey-filled-with.html

'LIFE'S COOL'. MY NEAREST AND DEAREST BECAME THOSE THAT GRUNTED, BARKED OR BIT.

http://milimanilifescool.blogspot.com/2013/12/i-n-2002-i-was-lucky-enough-to-be-given.html

COOL THOUGHTS – LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE: http://loiscoolthoughts.tumblr.com/

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/loiskuhlescribbler