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Watch the Bhubezi AIDS Awareness Programme video and meet two new patients

Christie Constantine

23 Nov 2009 Christie Constantine

View the video below to learn more about the impact of the Bhubezi AIDS Awareness Programme ('BAAP'), which is working to educate communities in the rural Mpumalanga province of South Africa about HIV/AIDS, the importance of testing, and the availability of treatment. The programme also aims to reduce the stigmatisation of people living with the virus.

The Bhubezi Community Healthcare Centre, which provides primary healthcare and HIV/AIDS treatment, is made possible by an unusual public-private partnership between Virgin Unite, the US Government (PEPFAR/USAID), Anglo Coal, Pride n’ Purpose and Dutch social entrepreneur Dr. Hugo Templeman.

cyprian mbewe

Meet Bhubezi patient Cyprian Mbewe
At 27, school teacher Cyprian Mbewe had nearly given up hope. He'd spent a year weak and bedridden from the effects of HIV, and had lost his his job and was unable to support his family.

Then, Cyprian's family learned about Bhubezi and brought him in, where he was tested immediately and given treatment the same day.

“I’ve been on ARVs for 6 months and I’m happy now, I’ve gained 15kg," he says. His family is also happy to see his improvement.

As Cyprian grows stronger, he's begun thinking of the future. His dream job would be to help others by becoming an AIDS counsellor. "I know how it feels to be on treatment. There is a lot I can offer.”

Cyprian urges more people to support Bhubezi so that it can grow and help more people who are HIV positive.

“There are people who are getting better each and every day, by your support.”

nappy mbowane

Meet Bhubezi patient Nappy Mbowane
Nappy Mbwane, a mother of three, came to Bhubezi after falling ill and suspecting she was HIV positive.

"I was weak, I was unable to walk, I was dizzy and I did nothing at home, I was just about to die if God wanted it to be," she recalls.

Though the prospect of learning her status was frightening, she says "I wanted to know because this is a part of my life and I’ve got children to look after, my children need me to help them because they’ve got nobody.’"

After testing positive for HIV she began a course of ARVs.

"The treatment I’m taking helps me a lot, now I feel very much better. Before Bhubezi was built it was really terrible, there was no help. It is good to go to Bhubezi…you are going to get help. To the people who have donated to the clinic I say thank you very, very much."