Charity profile

IMAGINE A WORLD WITHOUT HIV: REDUCING HIV INFECTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS

“Your ordinary acts of love and hope point to the extraordinary promise that every human life is of inestimable value.” Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

Young South Africans are among the most vulnerable to HIV infection. It is estimated there are 1000 new HIV infections among adolescents (aged 10-24 years) every week; far higher than in any other age group. With 7 million South Africans now receiving antiretroviral therapy it is imperative to reach young people and equip them to make healthy life choices. At the DTHF we are utilizing a range of interventions to significantly reduce HIV infections among youth.

Among these are;

The Tutu Teen Truck delivers a wellness package of testing and screening services specifically targeting adolescents in under-resourced areas. More than 7,500 young peoplehave been helped by our team since the unit hit the road in September 2015. Our Zimele Project, in partnership with the Department of Health and the Department of Education, is reaching learners in both primary and secondary schools supported by our two Kwik Trailers. We need more support for this project and more Kwik Trailers to reach our target of 20 000 learners. The aim is to educate and support young women in particular in managing the health challenges they face, especially regarding reproductive health.
The DTHF recognised the importance of outreach to youth early on in the epidemic. In 2011 we opened the DTHF Youth Centre in Masiphumelele, at its heart is a youth-friendly clinic providing sexual and reproductive health services. More than 4,000 youth access the Centre. More than 750 young women are on contraceptives, and more young men test for HIV than in the conventional clinic in the township. The Youth Centre also provides study assistance, a computer lab, art and dance classes, and sport and recreational activities.

We need to expand and replicate all of these services. Click the Donate button, follow us on social media, and become our partners in the exciting and challenging quest to end the HIV epidemic.