Written by: Zama Ngcoya

Thembalabantu Clinic, situated in Umlazi Township, encouraged more Durban city goers to get tested for HIV, at their make-shift testing centres in town on Wednesday.

According to HIV counsellor, Skhumbuleni Nzube of the clinic, the tents were set up to attract more people to get tested.

“HIV is undoubtedly one of the fastest spreading diseases. We have tents that are set up in different parts of town where people come in and get tested. This was done to ensure that we have a wider reach, and that more people have access to HIV testing, especially seeing as many of them travel to town daily and never have time to go to clinics,” said Nzube.

He added that this initiative is one which is on-going and will be carried out for many more years to come and that people from all walks of life are invited to get tested as they offers the same facilities as any other clinic.

Nzube assured the public that they use quality testing solutions.

“We put the health of everyone else before everything. We use quality products and solutions to conduct our tests. So people should not worry about it,” said Nzube.

Nzube admits that although the turnout of people who come to get tested daily is satisfactory, they are still hoping to see an even larger amount of people in the future as it is important for everyone to know their status.

According to Pinky Khumalo who got tested at this facility, their testing is no different from any other clinic.

“I was just passing by on my way to work and at first I was not sure about coming here but after getting tested, I realised that it is no different from other testing centres,” said Khumalo.

Khumalo also encouraged other people to stop living in fear.

“It is important to know your status. It is better to know and start treating, then to slowly die because you do not want to get tested and know the status of your health. HIV is just like any other disease, and can be treated, just like any other disease,” concluded Khumalo.

*Caption: One of the tents where HIV tests are conducted