care center shows aids is not "the end of the world"

USIS Washington File Care Center Shows AIDS Is Not "the End of the World"
November 22, 2006

USIS Washington File - November 22, 2006 Philani Mono, a resident of South Africa, has experienced first-hand the benefits of President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Philani, center, and friends, Alex, left, and Lucky, at the Aurum Care Centre. (U.S. Embassy/South Africa) Philani Mono, a resident of South Africa, has experienced first-hand the benefits of President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. He recently shared his story with a staff member at the U.S. Embassy in Johannesburg. "I am a patient at Aurum Care Centre, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, which is funded through President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). I was transferred from Soweto Hospice to the Aurum's care centre in June 2004. I was very ill and had given up on life. I lost my wife in 2003 and had to leave my 10-year-old daughter in my aunt's care. Death was real to me. I suffered from tuberculosis (TB), severe nerve disease (neuropathy) and anorexia. The neuropathy caused me to lose the feeling in my legs, so I have to use a wheelchair. "Today, two years later, I am enjoying life again. With highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), I improved my health. Now I can assist my daughter financially with help from a disability grant. I have also done a computer course. I am studying basic counseling and testing skills so that I can help other HIV-infected South Africans. "Although I still need a wheelchair, I am thankful for the opportunity to live and watch my daughter grow up. I look forward to sharing my experience by counseling other patients admitted to the Aurum Care Centre. The word, "Aurum", means "gold". Life is precious. The question is what we are going to do with the gift? "My friend Alex was admitted to the Care Centre at the age of 26. The inner city streets were his home since childhood. His immune system was weak as HIV attacked his body. The CD4 count that measures cells in the immune system is normally between 800 and 1000. Alex's was far below that amount. He was wasted, confused and delusional. He began taking TB treatment. For weeks after admission, Alex just slept. He only woke up when the bell rang for meals. "All of us thought that Alex was too ill to recover, but he did not give up on life. After two months on TB treatment, he started antiretroviral therapy (ART). His condition improved radically. Today, Alex is reunited with his family and lives with them. "Lucky, another friend, was a sales person before he became infected. He was so frail he practically limped into the Aurum Care Centre. His pain was so unbearable that he wished to die. The staff wanted him to live and prayed with him everyday. "His faith became stronger with the loving support he got at the Centre. His pain lessened due to ART. Lucky slowly started walking again and can now walk from his home to the Aurum Care Centre. He is studying to become a pastor and will graduate soon. Lucky tells everybody that he had everything, but almost lost his life from one mistake. He appreciates the valuable gift of life. "These stories describe the three of us so far. Sadly, we have lost friends to AIDS, but our philosophy is to never give up. Fight with all you have left in your body and soul. "I extend my sincere thanks and devotion to all the staff at the Aurum Care Centre, our donors, especially PEPFAR, visitors and families. Without you, we never would have had the opportunity to enjoy life again. To God Almighty, I will remain humble for His Love and the second chance to live a better life. To those who are not sure about their status, I trust my letter will give you the courage to be tested. We will be there for you. All you need to do is to take that first step. Remember, AIDS is not the end of the world!" (Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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