The Adventure Continues-Experiencing South Africa's Clinics

Hello everyone!

We are now on day 6 of our travels and we are fascinated by the experiences that we have had thus far. We have enjoyed learning about the history and health care system of Durban, South Africa.

This past weekend our adventures included shopping at a local craft fair, a driving tour of the city, and a visit to a game reserve. We also attended an African show entilted "African Footprints." The performance displayed a perspective of the journey of Black Africans from prior to apartheid to the present and concluding with a vision of the future.

IHP President (Chancelor) Ann Caldwell, described the activities of Monday when we visited the nursing department at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Albert Luthuli Hospital. On Tuesday, we continued our tour of the Durban health care system by visiting McCord Hospital and the Doris Duke Research Center at the Nelson Mandela Medical School. We learned of their research that aims to discover an HIV/AIDS vaccine. They have the advantage of collecting a larger number of data sets as a result of the high incidence of HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

Today we visited McCord Hospital where we witnessed a typical clinical day at the Sinikathemba outpatient HIV clinic. The registration process paused to allow a brief morning worship and prayer session, a daily routine. The singing was amazing and the message presented by one of the clinicians was moving. Through conversations with others we quickly became aware that the sessions are considered beneficial to both the patients and staff.

We were impressed by the manner in which the clinicians interacted with the patients. They were supportive and culturally sensitive. They provided pertinent health education in a manner that could be easily understood by the patients. They addressed their spiritual needs as well as their physiological needs. We would like to give a special thanks to all of the clinicians and staff who dedicate themselves to improving the quality of life for those suffering with HIV/AIDS.