Some HIV/Aids and tuberculosis (TB) patients in the Eastern Cape are refusing treatment because they fear losing their disability grants, the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) in the province said on Thursday.
TAC coordinator Philip Mokoena said the number of people refusing treatment is growing, especially in the deep rural areas like Lusikisiki.
”At first we only saw one or two people, but in the rural areas, especially Lusikisiki, it is getting worse,” Mokoena said.
He said the people’s refusal can be ascribed to the high levels of unemployment and poverty in the province.
There are two types of disability grant: a permanent disability grant and a six-month disability grant, which means that the patient’s condition is closely monitored. Most people living with HIV/Aids and TB receive this temporary grant. As soon as they start treatment, they have to go for regular medical assessments and if their condition improves enough, they are taken off the grant.
”Aids sufferers get the grant only if their CD4 blood count is below 200, which means that their condition is almost critical.
”Anti-retrovirals push the CD4 count up and then the people get scared that they will lose their grants.”
CD4 cells are white blood cells that help fight infection. In general, the CD4 count goes down as the HIV progresses.
At first it was only people living with Aids who refused treatment, but recently the problem has spread to those diagnosed with TB.
Mokoena said the TAC has informed the social development department of the situation and negotiations are under way to supply the patients with more information regarding the grants and the importance of treatment for their illnesses.
”These people don’t put their health first. When you ask them why they don’t want to take the medicine, they say they’re hungry and need food.”
Mokoena said the Civil Society Organisation, of which the TAC is part, has proposed that all unemployed people be given a basic income grant.
”Then they won’t fear losing their money when they get better. They will still have an income, even if they take their medicine.”
People who qualify for the disability grant receive R820 a month. — Sapa