Rho des University has been selected as the host for the launch of the Department of Health’s HIV, counselling and testing (HCT) campaign.
The national campaign began on 3 May and will continue until June 2011. The campaign comes as a response to the recent launch of the government’s new HIV/Aids treatment and prevention plan.
Rho des University has been selected as the host for the launch of the Department of Health’s HIV, counselling and testing (HCT) campaign.
The national campaign began on 3 May and will continue until June 2011. The campaign comes as a response to the recent launch of the government’s new HIV/Aids treatment and prevention plan.
The Department of Health’s HCT campaign follows President Jacob Zuma and Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi’s warning that everyone be responsible for their HIV status.
At the launch of the government’s new HIV/ Aids plan, Zuma encouraged all South Africans to get tested. The HCT campaign, beginning at Rhodes, will also be set up at various clinics in Grahamstown as well as the rest of the province.
Individuals are tested for HIV/Aids, blood pressure, blood sugar, diabetes, TB and anaemia. Individuals will receive a five to ten minute training session before choosing to be tested for HIV/Aids.
Once the training is complete, a one-on-one session will be held with an on-hand counsellor to finalise the test.
If an individual is found to be HIV positive they will be sent for further counselling and will be given the opportunity for a CD4 cell blood test to determine which treatment is needed.
The procedure requires no booking and takes just under an hour to perform. The campaign aims to test 15 million people in the Eastern Cape, to decrease HIV incidence by 50% and increase the distribution of anti-retrovirals by 80%.
The target for the Rhodes University testing drive is 2 000 students and 500 staff members, says project manager Winnie Blom.
The campaign is being advertised nationally and all clinic supervisors have been informed. Kowie FM, a community radio station, will also be advertising the campaign.
Blom says all the Makana district staff will be tested at Fort England as a show of leadership. Testing will occur daily from 9am–4pm at Rhodes University until 14 May for students, staff and their families at the following venues: Biko Building Lawns, Admin Lawns, Drostdy Lawns and Kimberley Dining Hall.
Testing at Settlers Hospital will begin on 11 May. All clinics in the area are also able to perform the test.
