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Promoting HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Understanding in the Workplace

Promoting HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Understanding in the Workplace

In a bid to promote understanding and fight fear with regards to HIV/AIDS in the workplace as well as in society, the HIV/AIDS Centre in partnership with the Employment Assistant Programme (EAP), both at DUT, recently hosted an AIDS Workshop which was held at the University’s Steve Biko Campus Library Complex.

The Workshop was also aimed at challenging myths, fighting prejudice and raising awareness with regards to issues pertaining to HIV/AIDS.

Amongst the guests at the workshop was Siyabonga Nzimande, TB and HIV Investigative Network (THINK) Director. Nzimande, who is also a motivational speaker and Epidemiologist, spoke about risky sexual behaviours that take place in communities as well as lack of engagement on issues pertaining to HIV/AIDS in the workplace. Nzimande, who said HIV/AIDS is often not discussed in the workplace, also spoke about the progressions of HIV/AIDS research over the years, such as the decrease of mother-to-baby HIV transmissions to less than 10% in the last five years. He further touched on the lack of promotion of female condoms as well as the development of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring, a vaginal ring made of flexible silicone rubber containing a small amount of the antiretroviral (ARV) drug: Dapivirine.

The workshop also gave insight to issues pertaining to TB, the airborne disease which kills about 1.5 million people per year; more than the HIV/AIDS virus.

Free medical screenings were offered to all attendees at the Workshop and people were encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle, get tested for HIV regularly and to know their (HIV) status.

–          Phumeza Msongelwa

Pictured: Siyabonga Nzimande, TB and HIV Investigative Network (THINK) Director, who delivered an address at the Workshop.

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