Vukani Care

24/05/2026

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON HIV&AIDS

1.What happens when you skip HIV medication?
Skipping medication can make the virus stronger, increase the viral load, weaken the immune system, and make treatment less effective. Taking medicine consistently helps keep the virus under control.

2.How did you get HIV?
I was born with HIV and got it from my mother during birth

3.How do you overcome stigma related to HIV?
I overcome stigma by accepting myself, focusing on my health, educating others about HIV, and surrounding myself with supportive people. I remind myself that HIV does not define who I am.

4.How long have you lived with HIV?
I have lived with HIV for 26 years.

5.How long have you been on HIV medication?
I have been on Antiretroviral therapy for 21 years.

6.What challenges have you encountered while living with HIV?
Some challenges include stigma, fear of discrimination, emotional stress, keeping up with daily medication, side effects, and worrying about how others may react after learning my status.

7.What has helped you stay strong while living with HIV?
Support from family, friends, healthcare workers, self-acceptance, and staying committed to treatment have helped me remain strong and healthy.

8.What message would you give to others living with HIV?
HIV is not the end of life. With treatment, support, and self-confidence, people living with HIV can live long, healthy, and successful lives.

Undetacatable ✌️👌 unbothered ✨♥️ unstoppable

12/05/2026

10/05/2026

Vukani Care would like to say to all mother's in the world!!
Happy Mother’s Day! Watching you love and care for your kids is inspiring. You juggle so much with such grace. Hope today gives you rest, joy, and all the appreciation you deserve. You’re doing an amazing job.

29/04/2026

CAN HIV HIDE AND SHOW UP YEARS LATER?

Many people fear that HIV can hide for years and suddenly appear after a long negative period. The truth is, modern HIV tests are very accurate. If you test negative long after exposure (like months later), the result is reliable. HIV does not stay completely hidden beyond the window period without being detected. A later positive result usually means a new exposure, not an old one. Understanding this helps reduce fear and builds confidence in your test results and health decisions going forward.


CARE IS THERE COME VISIT OUR TESTING STATIONS NEAR YOU!!

15/04/2026

Why Prick the Heel: The DBS Test for Exposed Babies

I hear many mothers asking why choose to prick the baby’s heel (calcaneum) or (Akatende in bemba😁) and the big toe for the DBS test instead of the finger. It can be hard to watch your little one look uncomfortable, but there are very important medical reasons why do this because this is the safest and most effective way to get the blood needed.

In babies, the fingers are very small and the bones are very close to the surface. Pricking a tiny finger could accidentally damage the bone or the delicate tissues. The heel and the big toe have more "padding" or fleshy tissue, which makes them much safer sites to collect a good sample without causing any lasting harm to the baby's growing body.

Another reason is blood flow. The heel, in particular, has a rich supply of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. By warming the heel slightly before the prick, that can get the large, full drops of blood required to fill the circles on the filter paper. If they don't get enough blood to soak through the paper correctly, the lab cannot run the test, and the baby would have to be pricked all over again.

Even though it causes a small moment of crying, this quick prick is a life-saving action. It is the only way to get the clear "truth" about the baby's status so we can protect their future. A few seconds of discomfort is a small price to pay to ensure your child grows up strong, healthy, and protected from the start.

26/03/2026

Gauteng Department of social development awards ceremony for NPOs funding for 2026/27 financial year 🙏🙌 programme manager receiving an award 😍🙌🙏

26/03/2026

February 27 food parcel distribution, 117 food parcels were distributed to our Beneficiaries

26/03/2026

Late post CSF dialogue at Wedela school