Khomanani Health Research & Wellness Centre

Merry Christmas from Khomanani Health Research & Wellness Centre! We’re grateful for your support this year. May your holiday be filled with love, peace, and the joy of giving.

🎄 Season's Greetings from all of us at Khomanani Health Research & Wellness Centre! As we reflect on another year of advancing health and community well-being, we want to thank our partners, supporters, and the communities we serve for their invaluable contributions. May this holiday season bring you peace, joy, and cherished moments with loved ones. Let’s continue to work together to make health accessible to all in the coming year. 🌟 Wishing you a magical holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

TLC—A Simple Formula for HIV Management and Empowerment HIV care and management can be summed up in three essential letters: TLC—Treatment, Laboratory, and Connect. These steps not only help individuals living with HIV lead healthy, fulfilling lives but also play a crucial role in preventing the virus from spreading. What is TLC? ✅ T - Treatment: Taking antiretroviral (ARV) medication daily as prescribed is the cornerstone of managing HIV. Consistent treatment stops the virus from multiplying, allowing the immune system to recover and stay strong. ✅ L - Laboratory: Regular viral load testing is essential to monitor the effectiveness of ARVs. These tests ensure the treatment is working and provide critical insights into your health. ✅ C - Connect: Building and maintaining a strong connection with healthcare providers is key. Regular clinical check-ups, prescription renewals, and open communication with medical professionals are essential for long-term health. Why TLC Matters: By following the TLC approach: People living with HIV (PLHIV) can live long and healthy lives. They can achieve life milestones such as having children and building families. HIV becomes a manageable chronic condition, removing the stigma of a “death sentence.” Important Reminders: Stopping ARV treatment can cause the virus to rebound within 1–2 weeks, making it detectable and transmittable again. HIV care is accessible and affordable in South Africa, with the country offering the largest free ARV program in the world. Treatment is available at local health clinics and government facilities. 💡 This December, let’s focus on raising awareness about the importance of staying on treatment and breaking the stigma around HIV. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the care they need to thrive.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: A Call to Action 📢 As we observe the last day of the 16 days of Activism, the Khomanani Health Research & Wellness Centre urges the world to unite and take a stand against violence toward women and children. This year, let’s go beyond awareness and commit to action: - Look away no more! Report abusers and protect victims—silence only empowers harm. - Challenge cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities and call them out. - Support survivors. Share resources and helpful information to assist recovery. - Teach children the values of gender equality and protect them from harmful online content and exposure to violence. - Seek help for harmful behaviours such as alcohol or substance abuse. - Develop policies that address and prevent GBV in workplaces, communities, and sectors. - Organize community dialogues to drive solutions and foster gender equality. This isn’t just a 16-day challenge; it’s a commitment to long-term change. Every action counts, no matter how small. Nyeleti Bicky Mthombeni

U=U: Breaking the Stigma, Spreading Awareness HIV is no longer the devastating death sentence it was once perceived to be. With consistent treatment, individuals living with HIV can achieve viral suppression, making the virus undetectable in their blood. This is the foundation of the U=U concept: Undetectable = Untransmittable. What does U=U mean? When HIV is undetectable, it cannot be transmitted to sexual partners or unborn children. Individuals can achieve U=U within six months of starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) and consistently adhering to their treatment. By maintaining an undetectable viral load, people with HIV can lead long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Key Facts: - HIV treatment must be taken daily as prescribed. - Regular viral load testing is essential to maintain U=U status. - Consistency in treatment ensures that the virus remains untransmittable. HIV is no longer what many people think it is. Stigma thrives in the absence of education. Let’s work together to raise awareness and empower those living with HIV to achieve U=U and thrive!

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: A Call to Action 📢 As we observe the last day of the 16 days of Activism, the Khomanani Health Research & Wellness Centre urges the world to unite and take a stand against violence toward women and children. This year, let’s go beyond awareness and commit to action: - Look away no more! Report abusers and protect victims—silence only empowers harm. - Challenge cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities and call them out. - Support survivors. Share resources and helpful information to assist recovery. - Teach children the values of gender equality and protect them from harmful online content and exposure to violence. - Seek help for harmful behaviours such as alcohol or substance abuse. - Develop policies that address and prevent GBV in workplaces, communities, and sectors. - Organize community dialogues to drive solutions and foster gender equality. This isn’t just a 16-day challenge; it’s a commitment to long-term change. Every action counts, no matter how small. Nyeleti Bicky Mthombeni

Understanding Consent: A Path to Respect and Equality November 25 marked the start of #16DaysOfActivism—a global campaign to end violence against women and children. One key to breaking the cycle of gender-based violence (GBV) is understanding consent. Consent isn’t just a “yes” or “no.” It’s about respecting your partner’s boundaries and choices. Silence or coercion isn’t consent—positive, informed, and ongoing conversations are. By promoting mutual understanding, we can cultivate a culture of respect and safety. Together, we can rewrite the narrative of relationships, ensuring every interaction is built on equality, trust, and shared understanding. Let’s challenge harmful stereotypes and create a more empathetic society. 📢 Join the conversation and take action this #16Days of Activism.

On December 2nd, Vutivi Patient’s Health Analytics, led by Khomanani Health Research & Wellness Centre, hosted a transformative event in Ha-Masia village, Limpopo, to commemorate World Diabetes Day and World AIDS Day. With over 200 attendees, the event showcased the power of collaboration in promoting health and uplifting communities. Key achievements included diabetes screenings upon arrival, distributing 109 glucometers, and providing nutritious meals, all made possible by our generous supporters. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the University of Venda, Hlokomela Training Trust, Think, Unjani Clinics Majosi, the District Department of Health, Marseilles Majosi Clinic, traditional leaders, and media partners for their invaluable contributions. Special thanks to Mrs. Nkonyane, Sanofi , local health practitioners, and the Khomanani team for their exceptional dedication to the event's success. With gratitude and excitement, we look forward to making this an annual tradition. Join us as we continue building healthier, stronger communities. Stay tuned!

Understanding Consent: A Path to Respect and Equality November 25 marked the start of #16DaysOfActivism—a global campaign to end violence against women and children. One key to breaking the cycle of gender-based violence (GBV) is understanding consent. Consent isn’t just a “yes” or “no.” It’s about respecting your partner’s boundaries and choices. Silence or coercion isn’t consent—positive, informed, and ongoing conversations are. By promoting mutual understanding, we can cultivate a culture of respect and safety. Together, we can rewrite the narrative of relationships, ensuring every interaction is built on equality, trust, and shared understanding. Let’s challenge harmful stereotypes and create a more empathetic society. 📢 Join the conversation and take action this #16Days of Activism.

🎉 We are busy today at Khomanani! At the Khomanani Health Research & Wellness Centre, we are bringing our community together to commemorate World AIDS Day and World Diabetes Day with a full day of awareness, education, and health-focused activities. 💡Highlights of the Day: 🩺Diabetes screenings and education led by community leaders and experts like Prof. Makhado and Prof. Mashau. 🥗Healthy diet tips session with dietitian Ms. Bvuma Phunyuka. 🌟HIV adherence and PrEP advocacy by Mikateko Baloyi, followed by support introductions by Andisile Nkuna. 🩸Health screenings, aerobics, and clinical trial insights shared by Nyelety Bicky Mthombeni. 📈Glucometer demonstrations and distribution to 100 diabetic patients. From empowering discussions to practical demonstrations, today is all about equipping our community with the tools and knowledge to lead healthier lives. Nyeleti Bicky Mthombeni Seanokeng M.