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First things first

First things first

For over three decades, scores of people have been infected with and lost to HIV/ AIDS. The pandemic remains a global crisis requiring perpetual attention regardless of the widespread educational information and precautionary measures available.

South Africa has seen a rise in tertiary students’ infection rates. To counter this, the “First Things First” campaign, endorsed by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, was launched in 2011. A part of government’s HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) programme, the initiative involves 23 Higher Education institutions and seeks to encourage first year students to know their status and live responsibly.

The Durban University of Technology is actively partaking in the campaign. To meet government’s target to test 35 000 students nationally, the institution’s HIV/AIDS Centre has dedicated eight days to the campaign and are set to visit all campuses from 7 to16 March.

The formal event attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Ahmed Bawa, musician Musa Njoko and SRC Gender Officer Tamie Qwabe among others, took place at the Ritson campus on 12 March. In his address Professor Bawa advised students to be responsible and to know their status. “The key to good health is responsibility. The onus is upon you to protect yourself,” he said.

Students and staff came in their numbers during and after the event keeping HIV Counselors on their toes. “The target remains first years,” Centre Manager Thobile Zulu said, “but staff and other students are also allowed to test this year.” Participants are then given informative HIV/AIDS DVDs or USBs.

The Pietermaritzburg campuses had an overwhelming turnover of over 200 participants. The centre hopes the Durban campuses will exceed this number.

But, both Thobile and Student Counseling and Health Director Naseem Haniff acknowledge that receiving counseling and testing is futile if that knowledge is not translated into an individual’s behaviour and lifestyle. Very often gender dynamics hinder the practice of safe sex – this is why participants sign a pledge after testing. It is hoped that this will aid in changing mindsets and behaviour.

Pictured: L-R: Professor Ahmed C Bawa, Thobile Zulu, Musa Njoko, Naseem Haniff and Bongani Dlamini.

–Naledi Hlefane

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