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At Anova Health Institute, we have always been dedicated to fostering an environment of dignity, respect, and inclusion. As an organisation deeply committed to making a positive impact on public health, we recognize the importance of a workplace and program spaces free from all forms of harassment. Harassment, in all its unwelcome and intrusive forms, has no place at Anova. It is a violation of our core values, and we are resolute in our pursuit of its prevention and elimination. What is harassment? As detailed in our Prevention and Elimination of Harassment Policy, harassment is defined as any unwelcome behaviour that undermines one’s dignity. This conduct is strictly prohibited and unacceptable across at any location or online forum where Anova employees operate and conduct programs. Forms of harassment Harassment can manifest in various ways, including: Verbal: Offensive comments, slurs, or insults directed at a person based on their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other traits. Sexual harassment: Unwanted sexual advances, comments, or behaviours that create a hostile or uncomfortable environment, including sexual comments, requests for sexual favours, or any unwelcome sexual conduct. Cyberbullying: Harassment conducted through digital means, such as online harassment, cyberbullying, or trolling, which may involve threats, spreading false information, or using harmful language online. Stalking: Repeated, intrusive, and unwanted attention and monitoring of an individual, both online and offline, leading to feelings of fear and insecurity. Bullying: Aggressive and repeated behaviour intended to harm, intimidate, or dominate another person, often in school or workplace settings. The negative consequences of harassment The detrimental effects of workplace harassment are wide-ranging, impacting not only the individual experiencing harassment but also the organisation. As an organisation dedicated to diversity and serving key populations, ensuring a safe, harassment-free environment for our staff and the communities we support is a priority. Here are some of the negative consequences of harassment: 1. Physical and Mental Health Effects: Stress and Anxiety: Harassment can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. Depression: Those who experience harassment may experience depression, leading to a diminished quality of life. Physical Health: It can result in physical health issues like headaches, digestive problems, and sleep disturbances. 2. Emotional Distress: Low Self-Esteem: Harassment can erode an individual’s self-esteem and self-worth. Isolation: One may withdraw from social interactions due to fear, shame, or emotional distress. 3. Impaired Job Performance: Reduced Productivity: Harassment can affect concentration, focus, and the ability to perform daily tasks. Absenteeism: Those who experience harassment may take time off work due to stress or health issues. Loss of Job Satisfaction: Job satisfaction often decreases when individuals face harassment. 4. Negative Impact on Career: Stalled Career Progression: Harassment may hinder career advancement due to lost opportunities and a damaged professional reputation. Resignation or Termination: Survivors may leave their jobs voluntarily or the harasser’s job may be terminated because of harassment. 5. Impact on Relationships: Strained Personal Relationships: Harassment can affect personal relationships due to the emotional toll it takes on the survivor. 6. Reduced Workplace Morale: Decreased Employee Morale: A workplace where harassment is tolerated can result in low morale among all employees, not just those who experience harassment directly. 7. Negative Organisational Consequences: Reputation Damage: Incidents of harassment can tarnish the organisation’s reputation, leading to a loss of trust among customers, clients, and the public. Reduced Productivity: A hostile work environment can hinder overall productivity, teamwork, and innovation within the organisation. 8. Loss of Diversity and Inclusion: Workplace harassment can deter individuals from underrepresented groups from joining or staying with an organisation, hindering diversity and inclusion efforts. Links between harassment and gender-based violence Gender-based violence (GBV) is alarmingly prevalent in South Africa, reflecting one of the world’s highest rates. The connections between harassment and GBV are profound and multifaceted. Recognising and understanding these links is pivotal to effectively combat these harmful behaviours. Here’s an exploration of how they intertwine: Power Imbalance: Both harassment and GBV stem from power imbalances. Perpetrators aim to control and dominate victims, often based on gender, age, race, or social status. Gendered Nature: Harassment and GBV often target individuals due to their gender or identity. For instance, sexual harassment primarily impacts individuals based on gender, with women being disproportionately affected. Normalisation: Social norms sometimes trivialise or normalise certain mistreatments, making it harder to address these behaviours. Similar Forms: Certain types of harassment, like sexual harassment, can escalate into more severe forms of GBV, such as sexual assault or intimate partner violence. Psychological Impact: Both harassment and GBV can deeply affect survivors psychologically and emotionally, leading to enduring emotional trauma. Fear and Intimidation: Harassment can be a prelude or a method of intimidation, often used in GBV cases to control the victim, causing fear of further violence or harassment, and discouraging reporting or seeking help. Overlapping Perpetrators: Some individuals engaging in harassment might also be involved in other forms of GBV. Workplace Harassment: Workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, can create hostile work environments, reduce productivity, and result in unequal power distributions, potentially contributing to GBV in the workplace. Cyber Harassment: Online harassment, a prevalent form, can escalate to online GBV, targeting individuals based on gender with explicit threats or harassment. Intersectionality: Harassment and GBV can intersect with other forms of discrimination and violence, creating compound harm for those experiencing multiple types of mistreatment. Trauma: Both harassment and GBV can cause enduring physical and psychological trauma, impacting survivors’ mental and physical health significantly. Understanding these links is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to prevent and address these issues. Collaborative efforts among organisations, governments, and communities are necessary to create safe, inclusive environments and support survivors of harassment and GBV effectively. Education, awareness, and legal protections are vital components in effectively addressing these pressing issues. Confronting workplace harassment isn’t just a legal necessity but a critical ethical and strategic priority for organisations. It’s vital for nurturing a safe, respectful, and productive work atmosphere, safeguarding the well-being and rights of employees, and upholding an organisation’s reputation and core values. Anova Health Institute remains Uncompromising to all

Living with HIV can be a complex and emotional journey, marked by both triumphs and challenges. While medical advancements have made HIV treatment highly effective in managing the virus, it\’s essential to recognize and address the emotional impact that comes with it. Understanding the Emotional Impact Receiving an HIV diagnosis can trigger a range of emotions, from shock and fear to anxiety and uncertainty. The knowledge of living with a chronic condition can be overwhelming. One of the most significant emotional challenges associated with HIV is stigma. This stigma can come from different levels, including health and educational institutions, communities and between individuals. Encountering such discrimination, judgment, and social isolation can take a toll on the mental well-being of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Additionally, individuals may internalize these negative beliefs, leading to self-stigma. Another hurdle of HIV treatment is its constant management, along with concerns about side effects. When HIV is effectively managed, it can mean a prolonged and healthy life for PLHIV. Therefore, life-long treatment with the emotional impact of daily life cannot be overlooked. This constant thought can result in anxiety and depression. In addition, fear of disclosure, worries about medication adherence, and coping with an uncertain future can all lead to emotional distress. Some individuals may withdraw from social activities and relationships due to fear of rejection or transmission concerns. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression. The Importance of HIV Treatment While it\’s essential to acknowledge the emotional impact of HIV, it\’s equally crucial to stress the importance of HIV treatment. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized HIV care by effectively suppressing the virus, improving immune function, and prolonging life expectancy. Staying on Treatment One of the most empowering steps PLHIV can take in managing the emotional impact of HIV is to stay on treatment consistently. By doing so, they are protecting their health but reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others. It’s good to talk If as a PLHIV you find that the emotional challenges of HIV treatment are affecting your mental well-being, seek support. Reach out to a healthcare professional near you. They can provide counselling, mental health support, and guidance on coping strategies. Living with HIV can be emotionally challenging but remember that you are not alone. There is a vast network of healthcare professionals, support groups, and organizations dedicated to helping individuals navigate the emotional aspects of HIV. Seek the support you need, stay on treatment, and remember that your emotional well-being is an essential part of your overall health journey. You deserve to live a fulfilling and emotionally healthy life while managing HIV.

CAPE TOWN – The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Nomafrench Mbombo, along with senior officials from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, academics, researchers, community leaders and leadership from the Northern Tygerberg Department of Health Sub-Structure (NTSS), inaugurated the Fisantekraal Community Day Centre. The highlight of this event was the launch of the Fisantekraal Men\’s Clinic in response to the community\’s request for  dedicated men\’s health services. Mr. Alfonso Patientia, the Primary Healthcare Manager, expressed delight during the opening, stating, “Today marks the official launch of the facility and the men’s health clinic. As a department, we acknowledge our previous focus on women and children, recognizing the need for increased support for men. The men\’s clinic idea stemmed from the facility manager\’s observation that only women and girls were accessing the clinic making it difficult to address the problem of HIV and teenage pregnancy among girls in the community. “When the idea came, I first approached  UWC for space but when I heard that Anova has a men’s programme, I decided to open a men’s clinic and approached the Sub-structure  which has been supportive to this day”.- Mr Makamba,  facility manager-Fisantekraal Community Day Centre (CDC). Anova partners with the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness in implementing the HIV epidemic response under the Accelerated Programme Achievement for Controlling the Epidemic (APACE) program. The Anova Health4Men programme was established to address  biomedical and psychosocial needs of men. The programme is collaborating with the Western Cape department of health to expand male-friendly clinics in the Cape Metro. Dr. Qondisa Qina, Programme Manager for Anova APACE Western Cape, emphasized, “Our goal remains focused on achieving the 95-95-95 targets, ensuring men are tested, treated, and achieve viral suppression. Overcoming socio-structural barriers preventing men from clinic visits is crucial to closing the gap in HIV care and achieving the goal of ending the epidemic by 2030.”.  Anova’s Head of Department for Western Cape Dr Nelis  Grobbelaar expressed  Anova’s renewed continuous  commitment to work with Department of health and urged delegates to make sure all categories of men are covered including Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and other marginalised groups of men. The Minister of Health and Wellness encouraged men to utilize the clinic\’s services and take charge of their health. She emphasized the need for healthcare staff to prioritize men and urged nurses to prioritize mental health services, as this is a challenge among men. Various community stakeholders also voiced their support, with Professor Firdouza Waggie from UWC pledging to prioritize men\’s health as a top research agenda for the UWC Faculty of Community Health Sciences. The decision to establish a men’s clinic is hailed as a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage among men. The Fisantekraal Men’s clinic will offer comprehensive Primary Health Care services, including HIV testing. The Fisantekraal Men’s clinic is the first Anova Health4Men supported men’s clinic in the Western Cape, joining other men’s clinics in the province, such as Kuyasa and Siseko. Health4Men is a program of Anova funded by USAID/PEPFAR through the APACE grant. Views expressed in this article represent those of Anova and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, PEPFAR, the US government, or the Western Cape government. For more information about Anova Men\’s Health Program, contact Mr. Beloved Manasidze, Technical Specialist for Men\’s Health, at 011-581-5000 or email at manasidzeb@anovahealth.co.za  or Lebogang Makokoana at makokoanale@anovahealth.co.za

In a momentous event on Friday, September 29, Anova Health Institute and the Department of Health gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements of 65 dedicated professional nurses who successfully completed their Nurse-Initiated-Management of Antiretroviral therapy (NIMART) mentorship programme in Sedibeng. This journey has been a year-long endeavour for the nurses, filled with dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to enhancing the healthcare landscape. The theme of the ceremony, \”Our Nurses, Our Future,\” perfectly encapsulated the spirit of this extraordinary occasion. These 65 graduates not only embraced the art of nursing, but they also showcased their unwavering determination to make a meaningful impact on the healthcare sector. Giving her words of encouragement, Ms. Senate Sejake, Deputy Director of Health Programmes, encouraged the nurses to always strive for the 95-95-95 HIV/TB targets as established by the United Nations, and to go above and beyond this target. “Let’s save lives and make Sedibeng the centre of excellence,” she said. We as Anova are committed to achieving this target, and therefore playing a role in supporting the nurses was paramount. Our investment in mentorship and professional development underscores our dedication to the healthcare community and our commitment to ensuring a brighter tomorrow for healthcare as a whole. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we want to express our immense pride in the graduates. They have not only completed their mentorship programme but have also earned the admiration and respect of their peers and mentors. These nurses have demonstrated their ability to provide compassionate and competent care to their clients. The impact of their training extends far beyond the graduation ceremony. With their newfound skills and knowledge, these nurses are poised to be the frontline warriors in the battle against HIV, TB, and STIs. They will be at the forefront of providing vital care and support to those in need, making a significant contribution to our community\’s health and well-being. We applaud each and every one of the NIMART graduates for their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to their profession. Your future is bright, and your contributions to healthcare will be invaluable. We look forward to witnessing the incredible work you will do in the service of our community, and we are confident that the future of healthcare is in capable and caring hands. Click here to view the NIMART graduation gallery. 

In a world where health systems are constantly evolving to meet the demands of an ever-growing population, pharmacists stand as the unsung heroes in the realm of healthcare. On World Pharmacists Day, celebrated every September 25th, the global community comes together to acknowledge and celebrate the pivotal role that pharmacists play in the healthcare ecosystem. The theme for World Pharmacist Day 2023, \”Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems,\” emphasizes the vital position of pharmacists in ensuring robust and effective healthcare systems. In this article, we delve into the significance of this theme, explore the multifaceted contributions of pharmacists in strengthening health systems and a few Anova pharmacists share their thoughts.   Medication Management: Ensuring Safe and Effective Treatment One of the most crucial roles that pharmacists play is in medication management. They are the healthcare professionals responsible for ensuring the safe and effective use of medication. “Pharmacists are custodians and experts of medicine, they promote safe and effective use of medicine and continue to be a trusted source of healthcare information, advice and support,” said Mercy Mohale, Pharmacy Technical Advisor in Capricorn, Limpopo. This expertise is invaluable in preventing adverse events and complications associated with medication use. Through their vigilance and knowledge, pharmacists significantly contribute to enhancing patient safety and outcomes.   Dispensing Prescription Medication: The Last Line of Defense Pharmacists are the last line of defense when it comes to dispensing prescription medication. They meticulously check each prescription to ensure that the correct medication, dosage, and instructions are provided to the patient. “Pharmacists ensure that medication is available to everyone, everywhere and every time,” said Bongani Mlambo, Pharmacy & Decanting Manager in Sedibeng, Johannesburg, adding that, “this means supporting the rollout of innovative and effective therapeutic remedies to improve patients’ quality of life, and ensuring adherence and compliance to prescribed medication.\” The role of pharmacists extends beyond just handing over a pill bottle; they take the time to counsel patients on how to take their medication, including storage conditions, potential side effects, and necessary precautions. This level of diligence ensures that patients receive the right treatment and understand how to use it effectively.   Patient Counselling: Empowering Patients for Better Health Pharmacists are more than just medication experts; they are also health educators. They counsel patients on a wide range of health-related matters, from disease prevention to managing chronic conditions. They provide guidance on medication adherence, proper diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and the use of medical devices. This patient-centered approach empowers individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions about their well-being. Ziyaad Isaacs, Pharmacy & Decanting Manager in the Western Cape stated that, “Pharmacists and pharmacy support personnel are often the last stop of patient care. They educate patients on cleanliness for disease prevention as well as compliance, particularly focusing on patient retention.”   Medication Safety and Surveillance: Keeping a Watchful Eye Pharmacists are instrumental in monitoring medication safety. They track adverse drug reactions, medication errors, and drug recalls, ensuring that healthcare providers are informed promptly. Pharmacists also participate in medication therapy management programs, where they assess medication regimens to identify and resolve drug-related problems. Their vigilance and attention to detail contribute significantly to patient safety. “Pharmacists at Anova continue to work with the Department of Health and other stakeholders on the Central Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) program to provide efficient and reliable anti-retroviral treatment (ARVs) refill options in a more sustainable and convenient way for HIV patients,” added Kingsley Nukeri, Pharmacist in the City of Johannesburg.   Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: A Public Health Force Pharmacists are not confined to the walls of the pharmacy; they are also active contributors to public health initiatives. They engage in health promotion activities, conduct screenings, and provide vaccinations. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in encouraging preventive measures, such as immunizations, smoking cessation, and adopting healthy lifestyle choices. Their outreach efforts contribute to healthier communities.   Collaborating with Healthcare Teams: Team Players in Patient Care In the complex landscape of modern healthcare, collaboration is key. Pharmacists work closely with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and technicians. They actively participate in patient rounds, multidisciplinary meetings, and medication reconciliation processes, providing valuable input on drug therapy and contributing to comprehensive treatment plans. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive holistic care. Read: We Welcome You Back to Care   Research and Development: Advancing Medicine Beyond their everyday roles, pharmacists are also involved in pharmaceutical research and development. They contribute to clinical trials, evaluate new medication, and stay up to date with emerging drug therapies. Pharmacists engage in research aimed at improving medication safety, adherence, and patient outcomes. Their involvement in the development of new treatments and therapies is instrumental in advancing the field of medicine.   “Pharmacists are integral members of the healthcare team, playing a critical role in improving patient health outcomes, promoting medication safety, and enhancing public health, said Sylvester Mogale, Pharmacy Technical Advisor in Mopani District, Limpopo. World Pharmacists Day serves as a reminder to acknowledge and value the crucial contribution pharmacists make to healthcare systems all around the world.

As we embrace the month of June, it is crucial to turn our attention to a matter often overlooked but of utmost importance: men\’s health. Men face unique health challenges that require awareness, proactive action, and open conversations. Men\’s Health Month, celebrated in June, serves as a timely reminder to prioritize the well-being of men, encourage early screening, detection, and prevention to promote overall wellness. The Health4Men programme by Anova Health Institute offers a valuable space for men to access healthcare facilities and openly discuss their concerns in a safe environment. In this article, we shed light on some of the events happening during this month to emphasise the significance of building strong support networks. These events are aimed at creating a platform where men can connect with health care providers, friends, family, and peers, and foster an environment for open conversations about wellness. We invite all men to the events taking place in various districts in Gauteng as follows: City of Johannesburg 15-17 June 2023: National Men\’s Conference in Soweto Sedibeng 21 June 2023: Men’s Dialogue in Levai Mbatha, Evaton Men\’s Health Awareness Month is a reminder that every man\’s health matters. By embracing a holistic approach to health, we can empower men to live healthier, happier lives. Let us raise the flag on men\’s health awareness, engage in open conversations, and work together to keep men strong and healthy.

 Being a woman is my birth right to conceive birth to future generation.

The U.S. government, through USAID, and the Western Cape Department of Health on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, signed a historic Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement to implement initiatives specifically focused on driving towards HIV, TB, and COVID-19 epidemic control. The signing ceremony at the District Six Community Day Centre in Cape Town included Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, Dr. Nomafrench Mbombo, Western Cape Minister of Health, USAID Regional Mission Director, Andy Karas, and Acting U.S. Consul General in Cape Town, Will Stevens. \”The U.S. government has a long history of collaborating with the Western Cape government and we are very proud to enter into this partnership that is, at its core, focused on strengthening the local health system and ultimately saving lives. This is one more example of the incredible things that our USAID team is able to accomplish here in the Western Cape,\” said Acting U.S. Consul General in Cape Town, Will Stevens. The U.S. government, through USAID, has historically supported Non-profit Organizations (NPOs) that work side-by-side with the Western Cape Department of Health staff to serve clients infected with HIV, TB, and COVID-19. The $10 million, five-year G2G award represents the first U.S. government provincial-level G2G award in South Africa for the implementation of HIV, TB, and COVID-19 programs aimed at epidemic control. The Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, said: “I welcome the G2G agreement between the US and Western Cape Governments which will assist us in saving many lives in our province. Ensuring the best possible healthcare to our people remains a top priority for my government, and we intend to use the lessons learnt from this unprecedented pandemic to beat HIV and TB in the Western Cape. This partnership demonstrates the importance of the strong bilateral relationship between both governments, and I look forward to us strengthening this relationship further.” The first year of the G2G award will help expand convenient options for clients to pick up their chronic medicines and help clients receive health services like consultations virtually through telemedicine. The award will also integrate HIV and TB screening during COVID-19 vaccination drives, and support public health priorities shared by the Western Cape Department of Health, USAID, and PEPFAR. “G2Gs symbolize USAID’s commitment to strengthening local service provision and delivery by working with local governments to implement and sustain activities. This G2G leverages the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within the Western Cape Department of Health, further supporting the essential work already being done by public servants in the province to respond efficiently and effectively to HIV, COVID-19, and TB,” said USAID Southern Africa Mission Director Andy Karas. Public health facilities across the Western Cape have come under tremendous pressures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic strained the local health system, it has also inspired many healthcare innovations. The G2G will allow innovations, such as the recently launched VaccStations and e-lockers for chronic medications, to be fully realized. “We value partnerships, they are essential in ensuring that we achieve our set goals or targets. The COVID-19 crisis has shown us that we need each other, we can’t defeat it on our own. We each have a role to play. I am grateful to the USAID for this generous gesture that will see us implementing initiatives to combat the HIV, TB, and COVID-19 epidemics,” said WC Health HOD/Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, Western Cape Minister of Health. The Western Cape adopted a community-orientated primary care (COPC) approach to its Provincial goals for 2030 and the key strategies for the improvement of district health services. This approach is expected to improve health and save costs. The strategy better links teams at facilities and communities, promotes partnerships between government and non-government organisations, and reorganizes the scope of practice, information systems, community engagements, and change management. The COPC framework serves as the basis for the G2G. Ensuring access to HIV and TB services remains essential, especially in the face of the COVID19 pandemic. U.S. PEPFAR focuses on facilitating client-centered care, making it easier for people to access, start, and stay on lifesaving HIV and TB treatment. These efforts build on decades of life-saving work and U.S. leadership in tackling global health crises. Over the past 60 years, the U.S. Mission to South Africa has saved millions of lives threatened by diseases such as Ebola, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and now COVID-19.