Sello Mkhaliphi

Sello Mkhaliphi is the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) provincial chairperson in Free State. Born and bred in Brits, North West, he did not have an easy upbringing. He first job was a as a security guard.

He has lived with the HI virus for 16 years, was rejected by many of his friends because of to his status, but preserved and today is helping other HIV patients to get the treatment they deserve

How did you get involved in the TAC?
In 2006, I came here (Bloemfontein) and I thought I was going to stay for three weeks, I ran out of my ARV’s and I went to Pelenomi Hospital to access my ARV. I was told I didn’t have a temporary transfer if I had come here as a visitor and, to make matters worse, I didn’t have money to go to Brits.

I asked them why I couldn’t use the facilities at their disposal, such as the phones, to confirm my story, but the nurse told me the phone was not meant for those purposes. I then realised the magnitude of the challenge facing HIV positive people in the Free State. I realised we needed a strong social movement to stand for the rights of people living with HIV. That is how we formed TAC.

What do you think of the introduction of the fixed dose combination (FDC) drug?
It was a right move by the minister, I should admit, especially the manner in which it was introduced. I loved the fact that no women will get into a clinic, test positive and leave without the fixed dose combination and without proper treatment.

The department is realising the need to curb the prevention of mother to child prevention. Even I myself am tired of taking four pills at night.

Do you think clinics and hospitals in the province are ready for implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI)?
It’s not a new idea that is being introduced in SA. It’s something that someone tried to introduce before, but along the way, I understand, it did not work.

But the current minister understood that nothing was wrong with the idea as it sought to address the rights of people living with the virus regarding access to health facilities in SA, hence they re-visited the idea of NHI.

My problem though is the manner in which it has been introduced. For example in Xhariep District, health workers there don’t want to find themselves working extra hard, especially on weekends when they don’t work at all.

How is the Free State doing in terms of managing HIV in general?
Let me be honest. Previously I wouldn’t agree; under the leadership of Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi we see a Free State without waiting lists and stock outs. The province has managed to triple the budget for enrolling people on therapy. If there’s a good thing from the department we need to acknowledge it as well.

Do we have adequate doctors and nurses in the Free State?
The problem of shortage of doctors is not unique to Free State. It’s a national crisis, but then I would say, in addressing that, we have to look at the issue of establishing more nursing colleges, send people to nursing schools so that they can come back and serve the people of the Free State.

How important do you think community-based care is in the management of HIV?
To be honest, the community should not be a watch dog but be a part of every programme that is happening in the province.

What needs to be strengthened?
Communities don’t have access to certain materials as well as proper education.

How is the working relationship between TAC and the provincial department of health?
It was sour before, but has eased up now. TAC is all about better primary care, particularly for people living with HIV. The relationship is fine, although not 100 percent, but it’s getting there. TAC had to protest in order for our voices to be heard.

Is the media doing enough to educate people and tackle issues related to HIV?
The media will never do enough. When someone gets bitten by a dog the media will say it’s normal, but if someone bites a dog the media will go for that. In general, there are lot of things media can assist with.

How is the working relationship between TAC and the media?
It’s good, but depending on the media house, but Free State is superb I must give credit to that.