The HIV/Aids Unit observed World Aids Day with a health screening campaign at the Bellville Campus.

Worlds Aids Day is observed around the world on December 1, and this year’s theme was Communities make the difference.

“It is also a time where we remember those living with HIV and, most of all, send out a message of hope and say it is possible to be infected with HIV and live a completely healthy and productive life,” said Melanie Marais, Head of the HIV/Aids Unit.

According to the UNAIDS, 37, 9 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2018. A total of 24, 5 million people were accessing anti-retroviral treatment by the end of June 2019.  

“It is important to know that, although HIV infection cannot be cured, it is manageable, treatable and can be controlled through antiretroviral therapy.”

The health screening campaign included free screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, TB and HIV.

“These services are available throughout the year across all our campuses.  HIV infection is highly preventable and we encourage our colleagues and students to know their HIV statuses, and have measures in place to protect themselves from HIV infection,” added Marais.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Students from universities and TVET Colleges around the Western Cape have committed themselves to tackling the Aids epidemic head on by engaging in issues of unprotected sex , sexual and gender-based violence, substance abuse,  HIV testing and other free health related services offered at the conference .

These and other ideas to end HIV infection were discussed vigorously during the recent HIV/Aids Youth Leadership Conference which CPUT hosted on the Bellville Campus.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural conference, the theme of this year’s conference was: You can be the difference.

Attended by student leaders from CPUT, UWC, Stellenbosch University, False Bay College, Boland College and the College of Cape Town, the conference’s sponsors included Higher Education Aids (HEAIDS), The Global Fund, NACOSA and DHET.

The CPUT SRC announced its fundraising initiative to alleviate hunger among the students which they link to the spread of HIV.

“We thus call upon Higher Education AIDS to partner up with us in this initiative that will go a long way in making strides to tackling the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in higher education,” said Central SRC President, Sibusiso Thwala,.”

Delivering the keynote address, Alex Semba from HEAIDS, said educated youth are a stronger force of transformation in their communities than their peers.

He said they intend to train 7 000 Peer Educators in universities ad TVET Colleges this year.

International Aids Society’s Dr Memory Muturiki called for increased private sector support ad donor funding and encouraged young people to express their views on tackling HIV/Aids.

The conference also featured satellite sessions and panel discussions focusing on pertinent issues of LGBTQI, Innovative methods of reaching youth and Leadership Development.

Two students from CPUT and False Bay College won an all-expenses paid trip to the 2016 International AIDS Conference in Durban.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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The HIV/AIDS Unit, in collaboration with partners, KeReady, NORSA, WITS Reproductive Health Institute (RHI), and TB HIV Care, recently wrapped up the First Things First campaign, which was launched in February.

The First Things First project is a Higher Health-funded campaign that has been around for more than 15 years, and it’s one of the most successful Mobile Wellness health screening campaigns at CPUT, according to HIV/AIDS Unit Head, Melanie Swanson. This campaign goes out to mobilise the students in their numbers to put their health first and know their health status. “These services include HIV screening (getting to know their HIV status), blood pressure screening, blood glucose screening, sexually transmitted infections screening and many more,” Swanson remarked.

KeReady provided COVID-19 and Flu vaccines across campuses. The teams made their way to all CPUT campuses. They extended their reach to CPUT-owned and leased residences across these campuses, reaching students after class and in the evenings. Contraceptive and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) services were included in this campaign. Over 3 500 students participated in this campaign, and “we want to thank every student who participated, in particular our student leadership who always stand behind us with their support,” she said.

During this campaign, the teams demonstrated a remarkable commitment to student health and wellness. They did more than just provide healthcare services, they also taught students about health risk reduction strategies. Other services offered through Campus Health include access to chronic medication such as antiretroviral treatment.

“Remember, when living with HIV infection, you must be on antiretroviral treatment for life. Should you experience any difficulty in this area, visit your nearest Campus Clinic regarding your treatment or Student Counselling for emotional support. Living with HIV infection is like any other chronic condition that is manageable and treatable. By combining healthcare services with education and awareness-raising initiatives, the FTF campaign aimed to address health needs and created a lasting impact on the student community's overall wellness.”

The main goal of the FTF campaign is to promote proactive healthcare behaviours and empower students to take charge of their health. By offering a wide range of health services, the campaign aimed to foster a culture of health consciousness and encourage students to prioritise their well-being. To avoid unplanned pregnancies, students are advised to visit their nearest campus clinic for free contraceptive services. These dedicated teams will make their way back to the campuses and residences during the second semester.

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Written by CPUT News 
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