Sanelisiwe Mabaso

According to Statistics South Africa, approximately 7, 97 million people are living with HIV in the country. Kwa-Zulu Natal has the most residents living with HIV (2.1 million).

The Durban Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre is one organisation that is playing a part in addressing the epidemic in Durban. The Centre achieves this by setting up free HIV testing booths in various areas around Durban, distributing free condoms and educational pamphlets about sexuality and safe sex.

On Tuesday, Officers from the Centre set up shop at King Dinuzulu Park (Botha Park) and called on people to test for HIV and other STDs and learn more about TB.

Bonisiswe Buthelize (right), and members of LGBTI Community and Health Centre at King Dinuzulu Park

Bonisiswe Buthelize, Linkage Officer from the Durban Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre says that they want to make testing easier and readily available for Durbanites.

“We decided to come here because a lot of people who are on their way to work pass here and it makes testing quicker and easier for them, We go to many places arond Durban and provide easy testing methods,” she said.

Thembalihle Zuma, Peer Educator at the same Centre says that they test at least  70  people per day depending on the area.

“People don’t like going to clinics because of the long ques or because of their busy work lives, and we help them by situating ourselves in an area where people can pass and test. We test 10 people between the 7 of us, ” she said.

The message is clear and simple: Get tested and know your HIV status!

Sources: Statistics South Africa,  Human Sciences Research Council .