healthcare services

Both the VCT (as a NewStart franchise) and HCBC (as a subcontractor to the Department of Health) started in 2007.

TAI runs a mobile, tent-based VCT service that tests over 1000 people a month. We are able to offer VCT where ever there is a big enough piece of flat ground!

• Uptake of the service is very good and many people want to know their status.
• However, when working in rural communities, it is important to do a lot of mobilisation before the day to make sure that people attend.
• A challenge faced by the service is that it is difficult to refer clients after the test, especially in rural communities where there are no services.

In partnership with the Department of Health and KZNPPHC, TAI provides monitoring and mentoring support to 400 home and community based carers (HCBC) in four municipalities in the Umgungundlovu District. The community health workers provide primary healthcare services to households in their community.

• There is tremendous potential in the HCBC to provide extensive care and support for community members, especially vulnerable community members (such as children, people living with disability and the elderly).
• A cause of frustration for the HCBC is that there limited career-pathing opportunities for them.