In rural areas where access to healthcare is often limited, a visit to the clinic is more than just a quick trip—it can be a daylong journey, full of difficult choices. Families affected by HIV often have to prioritise transportation costs over daily necessities like food or sacrifice precious time from school and work. This can make something as crucial as attending support groups feel like a burden rather than a lifeline.
Support groups, as required by the Department of Health, are designed to offer essential guidance, resources, and a sense of community to children, adolescents, and caregivers living with or affected by HIV. They are meant to be a source of support, hope, and empowerment, helping participants navigate the challenges of managing HIV while providing them with the tools to thrive.
But what happens when the challenges of simply getting to the clinic overshadow the benefits of attending?
CHIVA Africa, a non-profit dedicated to transforming lives in resource-poor areas, has found a small but significant solution: snacks. While it might seem like a simple gesture, providing refreshments at these support group sessions is making all the difference.
Why refreshments matter more than you think
The road to the clinic is often long and exhausting, especially for those in rural areas. For many, attending a support group means walking several kilometres, skipping meals, or choosing between transport fare and food for the day. It’s not just the physical distance—it’s the emotional and financial strain.
To address this, CHIVA Africa has partnered with local clinics to ensure that when participants arrive, they are welcomed not just with valuable information, but with a snack and drink to sustain them through the session. Before each support group, CHIVA works closely with the clinic’s Operating Manager to create a shopping list of items like juice, apples, and chips. These snacks are then paid for by CHIVA and picked up from a local store by the clinic, ensuring that participants can refresh and refuel while they take in the information and guidance they need.
Snacks that pack quite a punch
This initiative might sound small, but its effects are significant. When attendees are no longer hungry or dehydrated, they are more focused, receptive, and engaged in the support group discussions. Attendance has been rising, and more importantly, those who attend feel better equipped to apply the advice and support they receive to their daily lives.
These snacks do more than just fill a belly and quench a thirst—they symbolise care, compassion, and understanding of the unique challenges faced by these families. By removing one small barrier, CHIVA Africa has created an environment where more families are able to access the support they desperately need.
Gratitude for our Donors and Partners
This initiative would not be possible without the generosity of CHIVA’s donors. Thanks to their support, CHIVA Africa is able to continue going the extra mile, addressing the often-overlooked nuances of rural healthcare in a 3rd world country. These small acts of kindness, like providing snacks at support groups, are helping CHIVA to earn the trust and respect of the communities.
As we continue to support clinics in their fight against HIV, we are reminded that sometimes the simplest gestures can have the biggest impact. By working closely with local communities, understanding their challenges, and meeting their needs with empathy, we can ensure that more people receive the care and support they deserve.
It’s not just about the snacks—it’s about ensuring that every child, adolescent, and caregiver living with HIV knows that their journey matters, and that they are never alone. Together, with kindness and community, we are making support groups just a little bit sweeter.
Fiona joined the Board at CHIVA Africa in 2019. Fiona studied Law at Oxford University and started her career as a Barrister practicing in Chancery chambers before moving into financial services.
Shaun became a trustee for CHIVA Africa in February 2019. He is a South African qualified lawyer and holds the position of Chief Legal Officer at Cairn Capital, a leading European asset manager.
Dr Mo Archary is a Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban and the University of KwaZulu-Natal: Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine.
Lauren joined the board in 2019, and is a lawyer by training and built a successful legal career in South Africa, specialising in public interest and media law. Lauren has lectured in media law, ethics and public interest law and takes a special interest in furthering the cause of women and those disadvantaged in South Africa.
Dr Moshal is the founder of CHIVA Africa and CHIVA South Africa and has chaired the CHIVA Africa Board of Trustees since its registration as a charity in 2009. Born and raised in South Africa, Karyn graduated in medicine from the University of Cape Town in 1988.