Managing HIV

GEMS has appointed Aid for AIDS (AfA) to manage the HIV/AIDS disease management programme for GEMS members. If you or one of your family members are living with HIV/AIDS, registering on the HIV disease management programme can provide you with the support you need to lead a healthy and productive life for a long time.

Will my information be kept confidential?

The programme is administered by a team of healthcare professionals and is managed separately from other Scheme programmes and the employer. AfA has its own confidential telephone, fax and private mailbag facilities. If you are HIV-positive and decide to join the programme, every care is taken to maintain confidentiality.

What benefits are available?

If you register on the HIV/AIDS disease management programme you will have access to the following benefits:

Medication to treat HIV/AIDS (antiretroviral therapy).

Medication to treat and prevent opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS, including multi-vitamins where appropriate.

Pathology tests.

Ongoing emotional support via a Nurse-Line.

Regular monitoring of disease progression to ensure you start treatment at the right time and that it is effective.

Clinical support and guidelines for treating doctors.

Assistance in finding a registered counsellor.

Treatment to prevent the transmission of the virus from mother-to-child (including treatment for the baby).

Treatment to prevent the transmission of the virus from accidental exposure to infected bodily fluids (sexual assault, needle stick injury).

Access to a specially trained medical team who will review your details and consult with your doctor to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

Reminders for you and your doctor to do regular check-ups and tests to monitor the state of your health and update your treatment where necessary.

How do I register on the HIV/AIDS disease management programme?

Step 1 If you do not know your HIV status, ask your doctor or clinic to test you. GEMS will pay for this test from your Block benefit and/or PMSA benefit and your doctor will be informed of the results. GEMS is actively participating in the National HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) drive by offering HIV testing to all government employees free of charge at wellness activities. GEMS will also pay for your HIV test at participating pharmacies such as Clicks, Dischem and Link pharmacies.

Step 2 If you are HIV-positive, call AfA on 0860 100 646 and ask for an application form or download one here.

Step 3 Your doctor will examine and help you to complete the form. He/she will be paid for completing the form.

Step 4 Fax your completed form to AfA on the confidential toll free fax number 0800 600 773.

Step 5 AfA will contact you to discuss the outcome of your application.