HIV and AIDS remain grave health concerns in South Africa, with the country housing the highest number of people affected by HIV globally. Approximately 20% of all people living with HIV reside here, and the country accounts for 20% of all new infections worldwide. Specifically, the KwaZulu-Natal province, where Rehoboth is located, has become the epicenter of the HIV pandemic.
Despite South Africa implementing the world’s largest HIV treatment program, the statistics remain staggering:
Most new infections occur among young adults, with young women being particularly vulnerable. While there are many initiatives focused on palliative care, the sheer scale of the crisis often makes these efforts feel insufficient.
Research has identified a heartbreaking gap in care. Hospitals are housing an increasing number of children with AIDS who cannot be returned home. Consequently, these children remain hospitalized for extended periods where overburdened staff often lack the capacity to provide individual attention. Dr. Bill Hardy, Medical Officer at the local Murchison District Hospital, has highlighted the critical lack of resources for this specific group.
Support our causeMost of these infected children lie abandoned in hospital wards for months or even years, where many of them eventually die. I believe Rehoboth’s vision is greatly benefitting the children associated with our local community hospitals. Orphanages in our area are overcrowded and understaffed, and cannot meet the special needs of these ill children. Moreover, there is a reluctance to accept these children into orphanages and house care.
- Dr. Bill Hardy
- Medical Officer at the local Murchison District
