The Ikhwezi Lokusa Wellness Centre is a registered non-profit organization that offers medical management and holistic health care to HIV positive individuals in the East London area. It was established in 2003 by a group of committed female physicians who saw a need in their community for appropriate and reliable care for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Since its conception, Ikhwezi has strived to exist as a one-stop, comprehensive HIV/AIDS management centre; the centre reaches out by delivering affordable and accessible integrated HIV medical treatment and care, disease management advice, social, psychological and peer support, and health information and education. Indeed, Ikhwezi serves those within the community who are most disadvantaged and isolated—particularly women and children.

Having started with only 147 patients in 2003, Ikhwezi currently has over 3000 patients on file with approximately 80-90 new patients presenting each week. Our patients are primarily single, unemployed women between the ages of 20-39, who largely come from the impoverished and disadvantaged shanty townships which surround East London. Most of Ikhwezi’s patients come from the following communities: Mdantsane, Scenery Park, Duncan Village and Reeston. As such, Ikhwezi serves as a model for community care and hopes to build its capacity in the provision of HIV/AIDS-related health care services and activities.