McCord Hospital

1. The Sinikithemba Paediatric programme provides care and support to over 1,100 HIV-positive children. Sinikithemba Paediatric Programme McCord Hospital McCord Hospital has been providing quality healthcare to underserved communities around Durban for the past 100 years. The hospital’s HIV programme, Sinikithemba (which means ‘give us hope’ in isiZulu), provides medical, psychological and spiritual outpatient care to patients with HIV, in an environment of acceptance and support. With KwaZulu Natal being the epicentre of the world’s HIV/AIDS pandemic, there is a pressing need for programmes like this one, and McCord strives to be at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS both now and into the future. The majority of the 1,100 children and teenagers in the Sinikithemba programme were born HIV-positive, with some becoming infected after birth, through blood-to-blood contact or rape. The children visit the hospital regularly – between once every two weeks and once every two months depending on their condition. During their all-day visit they have a number of appointments with different HIV-specialist doctors, they have their CD4 counts checked and they receive their ARV medication. These appointments can be at times traumatic for the children, as they can involve injections and blood samples. Instead of making them line up in a queue all day, their care-giver lines up whilst the children play in our Play Room. The SinikithembaPlay Room is staffed by two counsellors who provide a nurturing learning environment. The children participate in a range of games and activities throughout the day and enjoy a small meal at lunchtime. Instead of dreading their regular visits to the hospital, the children start to look forward to their time in the Play Room – seeing their friends and having fun. Many of the children in the programme come from very under-resourced backgrounds. Many of these children in need are provided sponsorship from individual donors, enabling them to continue to receive HIV care and treatment.

2. McCord is a Section 21 non-profit hospital. Please consider making a difference in a child’s life by getting involved. Contact: Olivia Brian, Fundraising Dept. Ph: 031 268 5882 Email: olivia.brian@mccord.co.za Opportunities for Involvement Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Sinikithemba Children’s Play Room and how you can help us to provide a fun and stimulating Play Room environment for the children in our HIV programme.