As CPUT celebrates the coming launch of Golden Key, the institution recognises one of its own who has recently achieved membership status.

Dr Ashraf Mohammed, Head of Department for the HIV/AIDS Unit, completed his postgraduate studies at the University of Cape Town where he developed his profile in the medical field.

His doctoral thesis focused on the aspects of a tuberculosis (TB) screening test developed, which was subsequently included in the national guideline to HIV-positive patients.

Prior to graduating with his qualification, Dr Mohammed published several papers for peer review and submitted data to global medical bodies such as the Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation to be included in their meta-analysis studies.

As a result of these fine academic achievements, he was invited to become a member of the Society earlier this year.

Written by CPUT News
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Students can count on a reliable service for their wellness needs from the HIV/AIDS Unit.

The unit aims to prevent, control and manage HIV/Aids, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and TB among students and staff. It works hand in hand with Student Counselling, Campus Health Clinics and the Disability Unit towards the holistic wellbeing of all students.

The unit runs awareness campaigns, research and community outreach programmes and provides peer education, care and support. It also has a Wellness Mobile Unit.

“We are proud of our Wellness Mobile Unit that makes it possible to reach our different campuses throughout the year, bringing healthcare services to your doorstep,” says head of the unit Melanie Marais.

“In addition to these existing roles, we are involved in curriculum integration of HIV/AIDS, STI and TB.”

The unit will also participate in the three-week orientation program that will see them run HIV counselling and testing campaigns across all campuses.

“Our encouragement to you is to support our services throughout the year, get to know your HIV status, practise safe sex and most importantly enjoy your time here,” says Marais.

For more information visit the unit at the Cape Town Campus, Administration Building, 2^nd floor or contact the office at +27 21 460 4253, +27 21 460 4252 or 021 959 6898.

You can also follow the unit’s activities on Facebook or Twitter

Written by Kwanele Butana
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A group of nurses have benefited from visual acuity training recently provided by CPUT’s Ophthalmic Sciences Department.

Lecturer Prasidh Ramson said the Department was approached by TASK Applied Science to bolster nurses’ training in three basic screening tests that are important for patients that have tuberculosis (TB).

As a rare side effect which is mostly reversible, TB medication can affect certain components of vision. Thus, vision changes can be indicators of side effects related to the condition. While these vision changes can occur infrequently, the overall adherence to medication is vital in the continued health of patients with TB and others in their community.

“There are some forms of TB medication that, with time, can affect the part of your eye that you use for colour vision. Through testing, we screen to see if any changes have occurred due to the TB medication. If a patient does appear to have colour vision challenges, the dose or type of medication then has to be reviewed by their doctor,” says Ramson.

Ramson led the training and was assisted by his colleague, Michael Jowell.

Michelle Eriksson, site coordinator at TASK Applied Science, said the training had been a valuable learning experience for nurses.
“We would like to thank CPUT’s Ophthalmic Sciences Department for being so willing and supportive in providing this training. Our nurses really enjoyed the interactive and engaging training session and feel they have consolidated their knowledge and improved their understanding and skills in visual acuity training”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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