UKZN HIV/AIDS Research Showcase

The University of KwaZulu-Natal held an HIV/AIDS Research Showcase on 30th November 2004. Presentations and Panel discussions focused on the research agendas and programmes within the various schools, departments and faculties at the University, and emphasized the spirit of collaboration in terms of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

WCRP/HIVAN Religious Leaders and HIV/AIDS Researchers Forum - November 2004

The World Conference on Religions for Peace (WCRP) and HIVAN (Centre for HIV and AIDS Networking) co-hosted their final forum of the 2004 programme series for religious leaders and HIV/AIDS researchers on 24 November at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine.

Learning Together for the Future - WCRP/HIVAN Youth Forum, March 2005

In the knowledge that empowering youth has become a pivotal goal in all programmes focused on HIV/AIDS and social change, the partnership between the World Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP) and the Centre for HIV and AIDS Networking (HIVAN) has introduced a new track of Youth Forum sessions for 2005, themed as: “Learning Together for the Future?.

HIVAN/ECI March 2005 HIV/AIDS Public Health Journal Club

The March 2005 HIV/AIDS Public Health Journal Club featured a presentation by Dr Philip JR Goulder, an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School, Partners AIDS Research Centre, Massachusetts General Hospital.

HIVAN/ECI April 2005 HIV/AIDS Public Health Journal Club

The April 2005 HIVAN/ECI HIV/AIDS Public Health Jounral Club featured two presentations. Anna Coutsoudis, Associate Professor at the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, presented on "Adherence to optimal feeding practices and risk of postnatal transmission of HIV" and Xoliswa Keke, a Researcher with the Centre for HIV and AIDS Networking (HIVAN) presented on "Disclosure and HAART adherence: exploring the dynamics".

April 2005 WCRP-HIVAN Forum: “What are FBOs doing about HIV/AIDS??

Welcoming the Forum guests to the April 2005 session, Paddy Meskin of the World Conference on Religion and Peace summarised the history and purpose of the Forum’s aims and objectives: to frame the HIV/AIDS pandemic, its effects on and implications for society, within religious and spiritual as well as biomedical and clinical contexts. At this juncture in the programme series, it seemed appropriate to review and reflect on efforts made in recent years by FBOs in responding to HIV and AIDS.

October 2004 HIVAN/WCRP Forum: Western Vs Traditional Medicine

The October HIVAN/WCRP Religious Leaders’ and HIV/AIDS Researchers’ Forum addressed current trends in HIV prevention, treatment and care towards the complementary use of both traditional and alternative health forms. The Forum was attended by approximately 70 people and chaired by Paddy Meskin.

HIVAN/ECI May 2005 HIV/AIDS Public Health Journal Club

Costing was the topic under discussion at the HIV/AIDS Journal Club hosted by HIVAN/ECI KZN PLUS on 6 May 2005. Christopher Browne talked about “The Costs of AIDS: How much do we know??, and Nicola Deghaye followed this with a presentation titled “Cost and cost-effectiveness of treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis?.

A circle of giving

Community Outreach volunteers attached to HIVAN’s Campus HIV/AIDS Support Unit at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Howard College campus held a fundraising event over two days in May 2005. Over R1 500 was collected from the sale of raffle tickets for patients and families at McCord Hospital’s Sinikithemba Care Centre, and more than 15 bags of clothing were donated to the Hillcrest AIDS Trust Centre for their income-generation scheme.

HIVAN-WCRP Religious Leaders’ Dialogue: The Role of Religious Leaders in the ARV Roll-out Programme

In her welcoming address and introduction to the day-long dialogue on anti-retroviral treatment roll-out in KwaZulu-Natal, WCRP President Paddy Meskin reflected on the crucial role that faith leaders could play in many areas of activity related to HIV/AIDS treatment and care. These included providing accurate information and psycho-social guidance for needy patients and especially breastfeeding mothers, support for adherence to ARV drug regimens, and assisting with strengthening public health infrastructure and capacity.