Talk Test Treat

30/03/2023

GET TESTED || On March 24, people all over the world celebrated World Tuberculosis Day. Throughout March, our posts focused on raising awareness about TB, with the main message being that it is preventable and treatable. It is critical to keep spreading this message and educating people about the importance of early detection and treatment to eventually eliminate tuberculosis.

As an NGO working within the health sector, we will continue to support and partner with initiatives aimed at eradicating TB and advocate for increased funding and resources towards the research and development of new treatments and vaccines and the education of our nation. Together, we can work towards a world free from the burden of TB.

If you would like us to be a part of your initiatives please feel free to email us at info@zoe-life.co.za.

14/03/2023

TB IS TREATABLE || Say that again. TB is treatable. All local clinics treat it for free. However, it requires a six-to-nine-month antibiotic regimen. To avoid drug-resistant TB and complete recovery, a person must complete the treatment.

Do you know someone who is being treated for TB? You can be a great support by encouraging and reminding them to take their medication regularly and for the full duration of the treatment, which can greatly increase their chances of a successful recovery. Additionally, offering emotional support and helping them access necessary resources can also be very helpful.

How else can we encourage someone to start and stick to their TB treatment?

13/03/2023

TESTING IS THE BEST THING || Early testing for TB is important to find and treat the disease quickly, which can stop it from spreading to other people. It is especially important for individuals who are at higher risk of contracting TB, such as those with weakened immune systems or who have been in close contact with someone who has TB.

A cough that lasts more than two weeks is cause for concern, so if you have one, go see a nurse or doctor. Night sweats, weight loss, and fever are additional symptoms, but they won't show up until much later in the course of a severe illness. Let's catch it and stop it before it stops you.

10/03/2023

TESTING IS THE BEST THING || Early testing for TB is important to find and treat the disease quickly, which can stop it from spreading to other people. It is especially important for individuals who are at higher risk of contracting TB, such as those with weakened immune systems or who have been in close contact with someone who has TB.

A cough that lasts more than two weeks is cause for concern, so if you have one, go see a nurse or doctor. Night sweats, weight loss, and fever are additional symptoms, but they won't show up until much later in the course of a severe illness. Let's catch it and stop it before it stops you.

08/03/2023

WE SEE YOU, WE THANK YOU ||Zoë -Life, the developers of TALK TEST TREAT would like to take the opportunity to thank the women who have been and continue to be the movers, shakers, and history makers for standing strong or quietly moving on depending on the situation. For using your firm, loving kindness to push back the boundaries and move mountains.

Your courage, resilience, and determination have paved the way for future generations of women to pursue their dreams and aspirations without limitations. Your contributions to society will never be forgotten, and we are forever grateful for your unwavering commitment to gender equality. Know that because of you, many women will choose to rise each day despite their circumstances because your strength is their fuel.

08/03/2023

TALK ABOUT TB || TB has a lot of negative connotations, which come from the fact that not enough people know about it. Whenever we talk about it, we clear up the myths and common false beliefs that surround it.

Most people have TB. Healthy immune systems control the infection, leaving us living with "latent TB'. HIV, cancer, diabetes, alcoholism, and chronic stress weaken the immune system, allowing the TB bacteria to multiply and cause inflammation that worsens until TB symptoms appear. Remember, only active TB is contagious. If you have a compromised immune system or have had close contact with someone with active TB, you must get tested and treated.

How would you gently persuade a TB-exposed person to get tested? It's important to listen and acknowledge their concerns about getting tested. You can accompany them to the testing site and discuss early detection and treatment.

07/03/2023

TALK TEST TREAT || TB has been around for three decades and will not go away unless we talk about it, test for it, and treat it. When we talk about it, we reduce the stigma associated with tuberculosis and help remove myths and misconceptions about it. We can identify and treat those who are infected and help prevent its spread by testing for it. We can reduce the severity of the illness and the risk of its transmission to others by treating it.

Do you have a TB story to share? We'd love to hear about it and use your story to help others battling the disease overcome it as well. Send us a DM to contact us openly or confidentially.

02/03/2023

TB DOES NOT CHOOSE || Yesterday was the start of Tuberculosis Awareness Month. These days HIV and TB together so we thought it would be right to share our Facebook Zoë-Life campaign here as well. While TB originated in higher-income countries, over 95% of tuberculosis deaths occur in middle- and low-income countries. We must change the narrative that TB is only a poor person's disease, as this is misleading and contributes to the disease's stigma. Therefore, it is important to understand that TB does not discriminate and can affect anyone. Zoë-Life takes pride in incorporating TB awareness and screening services into all of its interventions, dispelling any myths and misconceptions that may exist.

Comment below on how we can change the way we talk about TB and whether you believe it can be managed differently 👇 🗣️.

18/07/2022

In 2021, Zoë-Life ran a Talk Test Treat pilot with a group of youth for Umlazi in Durban. They gained access to a health education program where they were able to talk with a trained HIV facilitator who could answer any of their questions or concerns about HIV, STI and TB confidentially. These youth were provided with the opportunity to opt-in for the Talk Test Treat service.

One of the participants, a 19-year-old learner shared that their decision to go to the local clinic to access an HIV test was being postponed due to the long queues, fearing to be seen by neighbours and the long waiting hours. He said Talk Test Treat is “long overdue and is a friendly service for all youth”.

The youth went on to say that they were scared to prick their finger but gained strength after the counselling and found encouragement from watching the videos.

Check out this service at www.talktesttreat.co.za and maybe you are an organization that would like to link this service with your youth.

15/07/2022

SUPPORT OR SPONSOR || You can improve the lives of South African youth by sponsoring HIV self-screening kits for those without the means to access Talk Test Treat services.

Donate at our website www.talktesttreat.co.za ➡️ About ➡️ Sponsor Me ➡ Make it happen or email talktesttreat@zoe-life.co.za

13/07/2022

GRAB A PROMO || You can choose what HIV test you want to use. You can access a blood test through your health care provider or you can access a rapid test through your local clinic.

But, you have a third option….you can now screen for HIV in the comfort of your home.

For a limited time, you can get access to a FREE HIV self-screening kit & FREE Talk session when you visit our store for the rest of July.

To claim this deal 💥🎁:

👉Click on www.talktesttreat.co.za and have a look around.
👉To order your own HIV self-screening kit use the promo code TEST100 at checkout (Please note we are only able to deliver if you have a PEP store near you as we use PAXI for courier).
👉Once your self-screening kit arrives, you can choose to do it by yourself or book your Talk session and we will help you through it by choosing "Talk Test Treat Pilot" on our website.

Take charge of your health and find out your HIV status today.

11/07/2022

NEED EXTRA HELP? || We are unable to offer general counselling, However, we are working in partnership with LifeLine South Africa.

Lifeline provides anonymous, confidential information and counselling services in all eleven official languages in South Africa. You can give them a call on their toll-free number 0861 322 322. Their line operates 24 hours/7 days per week.

Have a look at their website and see the incredible work they do http://www.lifelinesa.co.za

08/07/2022

BECOME UNDETECABLE || Effective HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy) taken correctly has the ability to suppress the amount of HIV virus in your body’s fluids.

When the virus becomes “undetectable” it does not mean you are cured of HIV, it means that you are no longer “infectious” and will not pass HIV to a partner or an unborn child.

Are you HIV positive and struggling with your treatment? Do you need help to become undetectable? Let us show you how by booking a Treat session with us on www.talktesttreat.co.za
or WhatsApp us on 067 425 1451 for more information.

06/07/2022

ONE TABLET. ONE TIME. ON-TIME || Did you know that through the early detection of HIV and initiation of treatment, one can lower the risk of serious AIDS-related events by 72%.

HIV treatment has changed a lot over the years and today all you need is one pill/tablet, once a day.

Do you need help accessing HIV treatment services? Have you tested positive for HIV but are not sure what to do next. Check out www.talktesttreat.co.za and book an online “Treat” session with us or WhatsApp us on 067 425 1451 for more information.

04/07/2022

04/07/2022

04/07/2022

ONE FINGER PRICK IS ALL IT TAKES || Testing for HIV allows you to access life-saving treatment that can slow down and even prevent the spread of HIV. We want to encourage our youth to take control of their lives by accessing a HIV screening service in a way that does not judge or discriminate.

Did you know that we have developed an online platform for one to access a HIV self-screening test and counselling support in the safety and comfort of their own home?

To see how we are providing this service to our youth check out www.talktesttreat.co.za

01/07/2022

HELLO & WELCOME 👋😁

TALK TEST TREAT is a youth focused service developed by and supported by the

This service provides an alternative for youth aged 18 – 35 years to access HIV screening and support services from the comfort of their own home or space.

Visit us at www.talktesttreat.co.za to find out more.