The use of games as a teaching tool is gaining popularity in healthcare settings, and for good reason. Games have the ability to engage participants, create a fun and interactive learning environment, and help simplify complex concepts. At the Eersterust Community Health Centre in Pretoria, HIV counsellor Portia Mazo is using a game approach to teach people living with HIV about the virus and the importance of adherence to treatment.
The game involves participants teetering on a narrow bridge, representing the journey to a sunbaked island where life is good. Along the way, there are obstacles such as sharks, crocodiles, and hippos, which represent HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancies. The goal is to reach the island by following support systems like abstinence, mutual faithfulness, and condom use.
Through this game, Mazo is able to effectively explain to her patients the importance of sticking closely to their treatment regimen. Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is crucial in achieving viral suppression, which is essential in preventing the transmission of HIV to others. Francois Venter, executive director of the Ezintsha research centre at the University of the Witwatersrand, emphasizes the importance of adherence in successful HIV treatment.
The UN 95-95-95 plan aims to end AIDS by ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those who test positive are on ART, and 95% of those on ART achieve viral suppression. While South Africa has made progress in reaching the first 95, there are challenges in achieving the second target. According to the Thembisa model, only 78% of those who know their status are on treatment.
Mazo learned about using games as a teaching tool at the South Africa AIDS Conference in Durban in 2023. Social and behavior change specialist Peter Labouchere introduced the game through an interactive workshop, where participants played roles such as white blood cells, HIV, and ART. By physically acting out the interactions between these characters, participants were able to better understand how the body responds to infection and treatment.
Overall, the use of games in healthcare settings has proven to be an effective tool in engaging participants, simplifying complex concepts, and improving understanding and adherence to treatment. Mazo’s innovative approach at the Eersterust Community Health Centre is a testament to the power of gamification in healthcare education. The importance of adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) for people living with HIV cannot be overstated. Taking medication at the same time every day is crucial for maintaining viral suppression and overall health. However, many factors can hinder adherence, such as fear of stigma, lack of support, side effects, and logistical challenges like transportation to the clinic.
To address these challenges, innovative approaches like the Bridges of Hope Training programme have been developed. This programme uses interactive games and activities that engage multiple senses to educate and empower individuals living with HIV. Research conducted by the University of Pretoria has shown that participants who used games to learn about ART had a significantly higher adherence rate compared to those who received traditional education methods.
One of the key aspects of adherence is the importance of disclosure and seeking support from family and friends. By sharing their status with loved ones, individuals like Patricia* have found it easier to stick to their treatment regimen. Furthermore, disclosure opens up opportunities for enrollment in programmes like the chronic medication dispensing and distribution programme, which simplifies the process of medication refills.
However, the stigma surrounding HIV can still pose challenges, especially when it comes to disclosing one’s status to new partners or children. Open communication and education play a vital role in overcoming these barriers. By breaking the silence and seeking support, individuals living with HIV can lead fulfilling lives and pursue their goals and dreams.
Ultimately, the message is clear: adherence to ART is essential for managing HIV and achieving optimal health outcomes. Through innovative approaches, education, and support from loved ones, individuals can navigate the complexities of living with HIV and strive towards a future filled with hope and possibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy, leading to widespread job losses, business closures, and financial insecurity for many individuals and families. As countries around the world continue to grapple with the effects of the virus, it has become increasingly clear that the economic fallout from the pandemic will be long-lasting and far-reaching.
One of the most immediate consequences of the pandemic has been the sharp increase in unemployment rates in many countries. As businesses were forced to shut down or reduce operations to comply with lockdown measures, millions of workers found themselves out of a job virtually overnight. In the United States alone, more than 20 million people lost their jobs in April 2020, leading to an unemployment rate of over 14%.
The economic downturn caused by the pandemic has also had a ripple effect on businesses of all sizes. Small businesses, in particular, have been hit hard by the crisis, with many struggling to stay afloat amid plummeting sales and uncertain market conditions. According to a survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business, 92% of small businesses reported being negatively impacted by COVID-19, with many facing the prospect of permanent closure.
In addition to job losses and business closures, the pandemic has also resulted in widespread financial insecurity for many individuals and families. With the economy in turmoil and uncertainty looming over the future, many people have been forced to dip into their savings or rely on government assistance to make ends meet. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, nearly half of Americans say that they or someone in their household has lost a job or taken a pay cut due to the pandemic.
As countries begin to emerge from lockdown and attempt to restart their economies, the road to recovery remains uncertain. While some sectors, such as technology and e-commerce, have seen a surge in demand during the pandemic, others, such as travel and hospitality, continue to struggle. The uneven nature of the recovery has raised concerns about widening income inequality and the long-term impact of the pandemic on the global economy.
In response to the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, governments around the world have implemented various stimulus measures to support businesses and individuals. In the United States, for example, the government passed a $2 trillion relief package that included direct payments to individuals, expanded unemployment benefits, and loans for small businesses. While these measures have provided some much-needed relief, many economists argue that more needs to be done to ensure a robust and sustainable recovery.
Looking ahead, it is clear that the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be felt for years to come. As countries navigate the challenges of rebuilding their economies and addressing the financial hardships faced by millions of people, it is essential that policymakers and business leaders work together to create a more resilient and inclusive economy that can withstand future crises. Only through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions can we hope to emerge stronger from the challenges posed by the pandemic and build a more prosperous future for all.
