Hannan Crusaid Treatment Centre

This clinic was established in 2002 by the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation in partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Health authorities. It was relocated to a purpose-built facility within the grounds of the Gugulethu Community Health Centre in March 2004.The clinic provided one of the first public sector antiretroviral  programmes in South Africa and by July 2011 had screened over 8000 patients for treatment, 6519 of whom started antiretroviral treatment.  

At the Hannan Crusaid Treatment Centre, the focus of our programme has been on support for the rapid scale-up of antiretroviral therapy which includes a community-based counselling service that continues to explore ways of improving adherence and retaining patients in care. The clinic provides extensive support for HIV affected families that includes specialised treatment programmes for children and adolescents.

In 2011, TB services were introduced into the clinic to provide a more comprehensive service for HIV and TB co-infected patients. 

The Sizophila Counsellors
In award winning team of twenty eight lay community workers living with HIV have been trained to educate and support their peers receiving antiretroviral treatment, Sizophila means ‘we will survive’. Their commitment and example has resulted in excellent adherence and retention on treatment among clients.

Adolescent and Paediatric Programmes
Children who are infected with HIV need particular support and encouragement if they are to manage their health. The clinic runs a dedicated adolescent programme for older children and youth on Tuesdays and a paediatric service for younger children on Wednesdays. It is important that an attractive, child-friendly environment is created to encourage the youth to return for assessment and to receive their medication. A nearby container has been renovated and equipped as an activity room for their use. More than 350 children and adolescents are currently enrolled in these programmes.

Projectleader: Dr. Richard Kaplan