Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - June 5, 2005
Victor Khupiso
Weighed down by unemployment and depression, and abandoned by his family, the 47-year-old from Dlamini, Soweto, felt he had nothing to live for.
But all this changed after his visit to Imbizo.
"My perceptions about life have been completely changed," said Mkhize. "This is a solution for men's problems."
The Imbizo men's health centres in Diepkloof and Kliptown - which were officially opened this week - are aimed at helping men sort out their problems. Patients can either have private counselling or attend group sessions.
Topics include communication with partners, impotence, fatherhood, nutrition, depression and HIV/Aids.
The project is funded by the US Agency for International Development.
Co-ordinator Bernard Nhlapo said the centres target men and boys between the ages of 16 and 55. They were aimed at helping men to become the best fathers, husbands, partners and friends they can be.
"We provide them with a comfortable environment in which they feel safe to seek assistance regarding any issues.
"Men do not feel comfortable when they go to clinics to discuss their problems because nurses are females.
"We have doctors, psychologists and male nurses. We also have people who are trained social workers who often give advice on domestic problems.
"Even the receptionist is a man," he said.
Mkhize said:"It's not like in other institutions where you are seen by female nurses. It's difficult to disclose your problems to a woman."
050605
ST050602
Copyright © 2005 - The Sunday Times. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Sunday Times Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .