Situated in Grahamstown, the Raphael Centre is an important community initiative providing care and support to people affected by HIV and AIDS.

The Raphael Centre was begun by local volunteers in 1999 as a support group for about thirty adults.  In September 2002, the Centre began offering voluntary counselling and rapid HIV testing, and offers these services on an immediate walk-in basis.  The Centre is now a major player in the local fight against HIV and AIDS, and was recently recognized by the National Department of Health as a Best Practice.

The stigma associated with HIV and AIDS is still a major obstacle to effectively dealing with their effects.  The Raphael Centre encourages all people to know their HIV status, and to fight stigma by being open and supportive to everyone affected by the virus.