Established in 1954, Edendale Hospital is a 900-bed regional and district hospital located in Pietermaritzburg (Umgungundlovu District), which is 80 kilometers inland from Durban (KwaZulu Natal).

Edendale Hospital serves the entire Umgungundlovu District, which is home to a population of approximately 950 000 people. The District covers a vast area (9190 km2) the majortity of which is regarded as “deep rural” and “rural”.

Edendale Hospital has the largest ARV programme in South Africa. Over 11,000 patients are treated at the HIV/AIDS Unit each month, including a large number of children on HAART.

The District has a staggering HIV-prevalence rate of up to 60% in some areas, mostly affecting women of child bearing age. With an unemployent rate of up to 70%, many patients with HIV/AIDS do not have the money to pay for transport to obtain ARV treatment each month.

In July 2009, the PositiveMoms Foundation launched a pilot R2R programme at Edendale Hospital, providing 25 HIV+ mothers and thrie children with monthly transport vouchers. We are currently actively seeking financial support to expand the pilot site into a fully functional programme.

If you would like to find out more about sponsoring a mother, please contact romy@positivemoms.org