Metropolitan has made a substantial contribution to the Tutu Tester Project.
Since its inception, in 2008 the Tutu Tester has utilised sophisticated testing equipment and trained staff, to provide the service in areas stretching from Masiphumelele in Noordhoek through to Khayelitsha.
Prof Linda-Gail Bekker stated that the Tutu Tester “takes the health facility to the people. It comes to you, where you are, in your community. Invariably, we park in a street or in a public place, away from healthcare facilities,”.
“The mobile clinic is kitted out with point of care diagnostics that enable us to conduct immediate HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) testing as well as diabetes and high blood pressure testing. We also advise patients about their Body Mass Index (BMI) and conduct breast and testicular cancer examinations,”
Prof Bekker pointed out that during the conceptualisation stage of the Tutu Tester it was “key for the DTHF to normalise HIV within the broad spectrum of primary healthcare.”
“We feel this is right within Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s policy of re-engineering and positioning HIV as one of many preventative and treatable diseases that presently face South African communities,” she explained.
Philip Smith, mobile services project leader at DTHF, said the mobile clinic has seen in excess of 35 000 patients since it was first rolled out five years ago. “Close to 33 517 patients have been tested for HIV and of that total; 46% have been female and 53% male.”
Mr Smith explained that over 200 people accessed the service in Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha last month.
“Our annual operational cost is R1.5million and we are delighted that Metropolitan has funded the project right from the beginning for R1million.”
Belinda Faulkner, Brand Executive at Metropolitan said they initially partnered with DTHF on a three-year pilot basis from 2008 and decided to continue the partnership after witnessing the encouraging results it yielded.
“The project fits in with our key strategic focus areas of making healthcare accessible to township communities while at the same time addressing lifestyle diseases.”
The DTHF has also established relationships with partner organisations and government departments to make the appropriate referrals for those in need of treatment.
Prof Bekker said the Tutu Tester has been phenomenally received by the communities that it has visited. “I think people see that it’s fun. Archbishop Desmond Tutu is also well loved and trusted, so immediately the use of his name opens doors. In addition, to this, the efficiency and professionalism of the service has also helped to spread its aim through word of mouth,”.
Archbishop Emeritus Tutu remained steadfast in his belief that the pandemic can be beaten when he said: “We need to encourage people. We can defeat HIV – we defeated apartheid after all. Also, the (Tutu Tester) staff are out of this world.”
