Mobile clinic brings vital STI testing

On Wednesday, February 14, the Mkhuhlu Clinic teamed up with the Bushbuckridge local municipality to provide critical sexual health services directly to the rural community of Mkhuhlu. A mobile STI and HIV testing event were held in honour of National Condom Week, making these vital resources more accessible.

“We feel comfortable today to be able to come and test different kinds of care since we cannot go to clinics because of work,” said Nsovo Mabaso, a community member who attended the event.

According to clinic representative Manzini, the event offered services like HIV testing, malaria screening, and Pap smears. “We are happy to see people coming in numbers, and what excites us most is that even male patients came to test, especially for STIs,” Manzini said.

Manzini advised the youth, in particular, to use protection and condoms to safeguard their health and future. Councillor Bio Mpangana also praised the initiative for providing easy testing access for workers unable to take time off to wait in long clinic queues.

Experts recommend getting tested for HIV and other STIs regularly, even if you are not showing symptoms. Using condoms consistently and correctly prevents unintended pregnancy and disease transmission. Knowing your status gives you access to treatment and counselling. People receiving an HIV-positive diagnosis can get on medication right away to control the virus and live a long, healthy life.

Additional prevention tips include limiting sexual partners, communicating openly with partners about past risks, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to unsafe choices, and sharing concerns or suspicions of infection with healthcare providers so proper diagnostic testing can be ordered.

“We advise residents, especially youth, to take control of their health. Protect yourself and those you care about this Valentine’s Day and year-round,” Manzini emphasized.