|
|
 |
University of KwaZulu-Natal AIDS Plan on track
Amelia Naidoo. UKZN Media and Publications.
|
In KwaZulu-Natal the University is at the epicentre of the HIV/AIDS pandemic: it is a province devastated by the disease in virtually all sectors, with ripple effects felt through service delivery and economic development.
The University clearly recognises the need to address the effects of HIV/AIDS within the University community. To deal with the pandemic, and to serve the needs of society in an AIDS-infected and affected world, the ?‘AIDS Plan 2002 ?– 2004?’ was developed to build on and co-ordinate initiatives and research under way at the University. The plan uses the University?’s core functions of teaching, research and service.
A key structure is the University of KwaZulu-Natal HIV/AIDS Task Force, which in June 2002 replaced the University of KwaZulu-Natal AIDS Committee, and allowed for the creation of a smaller, separate strategy development sub-committee to assist the Task Force with expert opinion from within the institution.
The Task Force includes key members of the University community: an AIDS programme co-ordinator, heads of divisions, directors of AIDS research units, students and staff members personally living with HIV/AIDS, SRC representatives and medical aid and union representatives.
Leading epidemiologist Professor Salim Abdool Karim, the University?’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), chairs the Task Force.
In the past year it has achieved eight key aims:
- The appointment of an AIDS Programme Co-ordinator, Michelle Mitchell, a clinical psychologist, who is based at the Research Office to oversee the implementation of the AIDS Plan.
- An HIV/AIDS research database referencing all HIV/AIDS-related research at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is in place and is available on the University of KwaZulu-Natal Research website. The database will identify gaps in the research agenda and promote integrated, multidisciplinary research efforts.
- ?‘Peer facilitation?’ programmes are run on the Pietermaritzburg and Durban campuses to train students on HIV/AIDS-related issues and to encourage them to speak to their peers about HIV/AIDS.
- A comprehensive student HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care policy is being implemented, which will provide comprehensive treatment (including antiretroviral medication where applicable) to all non-distance students.
- Free HIV testing is available to staff and students at all Campus Health Clinics.
- Condom dispensers are being installed in all University residences and other buildings. As more funding becomes available, dispensers will be installed in 25% of the toilets on all campuses.
- Female condoms are available, free, from the Pietermaritzburg Campus Health Clinic.
- A Management of Sexual Assault Policy and the Occupational Exposure to HIV and HBV Policy have been developed, and are awaiting Senate approval. These provide immediate post-exposure prophylactic treatment to staff and students who have been sexually assaulted or otherwise exposed during the course of their academic or occupational duties, to potentially infected bodily fluids.
|
| Was this article helpful to you? |
 ?100%???? ?0%
|
|
Back
|
|
|
|
