Investing in the hope of local communities

Standard Bank has contributed R2-million to Durban Christian Centre to support it in its fight against HIV/Aids in South Africa.

Over the past three years the bank has supported the centre’s focus on peer education training and the development of a HIV/Aids enhancement management programme.

Standard Bank’s financial involvement with Durban Christian Centre’s Hope Centre Clinic now totals R4.35-million.

Tina Eboka, Director of Corporate Affairs at Standard Bank, says funding is just the first step.

“A partnership is more than simply providing a sponsorship for someone else to do good  work but requires dedicated, collaborative effort from both parties.

“The Hope Centre Clinic is a beacon of light and hope to many people affected and infected by HIV/Aids. We know it will continue to encourage people to adopt more healthy lifestyles and play an important role in improving quality of life.”

Durban Christian Centre and Hope Centre Clinic is a non-profit organisation situated in the heart of Durban. It was established by Dr Fred Roberts in 2001 to curb the rising surge of HIV Aids in KwaZulu-Natal at a time when the province had the highest incidence of HIV/Aids in South Africa.

The clinic, used by people across the greater Durban area, is a community health service linked to the DCC International Church. Located on the same premises as the church the clinic has played an important role in alleviating the stigma associated with HIV/Aids infected individuals who tend to be more comfortable visiting the church building as part of the usual clinic visit.

Dr Rochelle Adams, Director of the Hope Centre Clinic, says: “Education plays a pivotal role in the fight against HIV/Aids, hence the establishment of our dedicated training centre where a 10-day comprehensive HIV/Aids training programme, covering transmission, prevention, behavioural change and medical management is offered. We also offer training in counselling skills to members of the community who want to help others.”

Dr Adams adds that the clinics approach is based on establishing community based health programmes that provide comprehensive and innovative responses to curbing the HIV pandemic.

“We provide free medical prophylaxis for opportunistic infections, counselling, clinical staging, medical examinations, hospital referrals and recommendations for anti retroviral treatment. Our team of committed doctors, nursing staff and HIV/Aids counsellors provide all these services free to the public.”

The Hope Centre Clinic provides non judgmental, non discriminatory services to people living throughout the greater Durban area. Its services are now expanding to include the care of orphans and vulnerable children In the KwaDabeka district where a care worker is working with some 200 children and elderly people living in the area.