Soweto finally has a health facility that caters for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The centre was launched by the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on Friday, 8 September at Itireleng Clinic in Dobsonville.
The health facility will provide the minimum package of health services that are tailored to meet the health needs of population groups considered to be key populations for HIV and STIs.
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The facility will focus on providing comprehensive and compassionate care to homosexual men, and men that sleep with other men.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said the purpose of this facility is to provide exclusive health services to the key population who constantly face rejection and mistreatment when accessing health facilities.
"We have trained our staff and security guards to take care of these people," she said.
She added that this has transformed the lives of key populations by providing them with necessary support, care and empowerment to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
"One of the notable strengths of this centre lies in the commitment to confidentiality, and non-discrimination. No one will tell other people why you were there in the room consulting. Staff have been sworn into confidentiality," she said.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said key populations often face stigma and discrimination in society therefore finding a safe and a welcoming health care environment can be a challenge.
"However, at the key population centre of excellency, individuals can rest assured that their personal information and identities will be treated with confidentiality which allows them to freely discuss their health care needs without fear of their information being disclosed or misused,” she added.
Dr Thulani Mhlongo, one of the key players in ensuring that such facilities are established told the Daily Sun that he is excited that barriers and stigmas will now be broken. "It is important that we educate our communities and the government about our needs as gay and lesbian people. Gay and lesbian people used to be insulted and called names when they go to the clinics. I'm glad that now they listened to us, and centres are being established to accommodate the members of LGBTQIA+,” said Mhlongo.
Nurse clinician supervisor, Irene Mudau said the patients will be seen at the men’s clinic for consultation with nurse clinicians who have been trained on key populations.
The facility will provide services such as the HIV prevention package including behavioural intervention and pre-exposure prophylaxis. It will also offer HIV testing, counselling, and treatment, condom and lubricant provision, and all related education, just to mention a few.
