admin
Fungai Lupande-Mashonaland Central Bureau
The National Aids Council (NAC) is using playing cards as a tool to promote adherence to treatment and reach out to young people aged between 9 and 13 who are living with HIV.
A deck of cards featuring illustrations of body cells being attacked by HIV and some that would have been restored by antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) is used to play the Soldier Game.
Every Saturday, children from the Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters (CATS) in Matepatepa, Bindura District, gather at Foothills for their support group meetings.
The group leader, Temperance Kureya (21), said the playing cards carry a message of adherence.
Kureya said the cards have created a motivating environment, fostering a positive attitude towards ART among CATS members.
With support from NAC, the group received training on recording its members’ viral loads, thereby allowing them to reach out to those who have to travel long distances to health facilities through home visits.
The group has also established a friendship bench where members can openly discuss their day-to-day challenges. This provides them with a platform to address mental health issues.
Online Reporter