Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal - The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Health (DoH) hopes to reach over 700,000 patients following the launch of a R32 million clinic revitalization program funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID funded the project through BroadReach Healthcare which provided technical support.

A total of ten clinics were identified for the upgrade through extensive assessments based on catchment population, HIV/AIDS prevalence and infrastructure needs. Ugu District has a staggering 40% HIV prevalence rate.

Ugu District Manager for DoH Veeran Chetty said, “Through the clinic infrastructure revitalization program, we are hoping to achieve our goal of combating HIV and AIDS by providing HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) to more than 205 000 people. We aim to reduce the transmission of HIV from mother to child to below five percent by the middle of 2011.”

Chetty said his department will ensure that all HIV positive children under the age of one are started on ARVs soon.

Construction work commenced in April 2009 and the buildings were completed in August 2010. The ten upgraded clinics consist of brick and mortar constructions, pre-fabricated buildings and one park home.

U.S. Consul General Jill Derderian said, “We are thrilled that USAID is able to make such a positive contribution to the lives of the people in the Ugu community and believe that all patients who come to these improved facilities will receive health services in an environment that promotes dignity and overall well-being.”

Meanwhile, MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said the ultimate aim of the projects was to enhance healthcare systems, increase capacity and offer better quality services to citizens.

As a result of the revitalization program, Ugu community will see more people start ARVs, TB care and general examinations.

BroadReach Healthcare chairman Dr Ernest Darkoh said, “BroadReach Healthcare was happy to engage in this health system strengthening project as is one of our key priorities. This is also in line with BroadReach’s philosophy to support projects that result in improved quality of care for patients. We are pleased to work with the Ugu district health team and the KZN Provincial Department of Heath, who have demonstrated their full commitment to ensuring that this project was completed as planned.”