MR.SA 2008 Finalist Helgard Marais: Paediatric HIV Clinic, Soweto

During February 2008, in my capacity as Mr. SA finalist, I visited mothers and their children at the Paediatric Wellness Clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto. I met with the doctors, children’s mothers, played with the kids and distributed Handmade Teddy Bears which I secured through a donation from HIVSA and the Mother Bear Project. I had great fun joining the children with their crayons coloring in pictures on the floor.

The Paediatric Wellness Clinic was started in 2004 to do early HIV testing and diagnosis of HIV exposed babies. The clinic is run by 2 dynamic young Doctors, Dr. Erica Lazarus and Dr. Afaaf Liberty, both clearly passionate about children. Enrolling these babies onto this care programme ensures that morbidity and mortality is decreased. This amazing clinic is financially supported by the US Government. What makes this clinic special is that it has evolved into a comprehensive care programme not only for children but for the mothers and families as well, currently treating 1100 mothers and children.

I must admit, my coloring-in skills were clearly no match as to those of to these young smiling faces who repeatedly had to advise me on what color crayon to use.

The experience of interacting with these mothers and their children who portray such immense courage and face mammoth challenges, full of hope and with a smile, humbled me all over again. This was a realization for me that all of us have to do more to help and support initiatives like these.