Spread the news - not the virus: UKZN action against AIDS stigma

"Nobody needs to live or die in isolation and misery. It's lack of information, understanding and support that kills." These were the words of Fezeka Khuzwayo, former University of KwaZulu-Natal student and HIV-positive social activist, when delivering the University Forum Lecture on Durban's Howard College Campus during its AIDS Action Week in April.

"There are students suffering in silence with HIV infection, many not even having been tested and diagnosed properly," she said. "It is so unnecessary, but it's happening because it's believed that if you're HIV-positive, there's no hope. Well, I'm living proof that HIV infection is no death sentence."

Intelligent, beautiful, confident, radiating with warmth and passion, Fezeka relayed her personal life-journey since discovering her HIV status in 1999. "I had ongoing colds and swollen lymph glands which would not come right," she explained, "and after several medical check-ups and two sets of bloodwork, including HIV tests, I was diagnosed as HIV-positive. The Campus Health Clinic and Student Counselling staff were very supportive; there was always someone to turn to if I felt ill or tired and needed practical help." However, at that time, the only access Fezeka had to anti-retroviral treatment was through enrolment in a drug trial being conducted at a nearby private hospital. "I was not really a candidate for treatment, though, as my CD4 count was relatively high, and my viral load was low," she recalls. "So after two years or so, I felt I didn't need the drugs any longer, and was concerned about side-effects such as nausea and impaired liver function, so I've since relied solely on a good diet and careful management of my general physical and emotional condition to keep healthy."

Five years later, comprehensive policies and systems are in place to assist UKZN students in addressing any needs or queries they might have around HIV and AIDS, and the theme of the 2004 AIDS Action Campaign is "UKZN Stigma-free". In her introduction to the Forum Lecture, senior counselling psychologist Libby Collins implored students and staff to go for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), especially if they are concerned that they might be HIV-positive: "Don't wait until you are too sick to function. The University assures you of total confidentiality, sincere caring and effective systems for treatment at every stage of infection," she said, going on to describe the procedures and costs of UKZN's HIV/AIDS care and treatment programme. For full details of Programme, click on the MSWord document in the righthand column

"Now there is ample information and access to treatment being made available to the whole campus community," said Fezeka. "So, why live with the agony of not knowing one's status? If one is HIV-negative, the key is to stay negative, and if one is HIV-positive, there is so much one can do to be healthy and productive." Fezeka was clear that in either case, personal goals and choices have to be carefully evaluated. "Even the process of waiting for the HIV-test result gives one an opportunity to examine one's priorities," she said. "Without doubt, one has to stop taking health and life for granted, because stress and self-neglect weaken the immune system."

In view of the danger of drug-resistant mutation of the HI Virus, was it wise for Fezeka to stop her anti-retroviral treatment? "Ideally, taking the drugs should be a life-long commitment," she acknowledged, "but because of the difficulties faced by patients, especially from poor communities, in adhering to the requirements of the programme, researchers are also exploring the possibility of 'drug-holidays'. This means that treatment could be taken for a few years to sustain the person's immune system, whereafter, if they did need to take the medication again, and proved to be resistant to it, they'd take newer forms of the drugs."

One audience member asked what her message would be to those in rural communities who have little or no access to cheap drug treatments or daily balanced meals. "What's most important is to provide them with accurate information about HIV/AIDS transmission and care," she replied, "and also simply to connect with them, lovingly and openly, because it's primarily their isolation that is so dangerous for them." Fezeka believes that civil society activists should work vigorously to ensure that these linkages are made, and that they fight to ensure efficient application of funds so that all citizens have at least one nutritious meal a day. "We can learn from the dedication and methods of the Treatment Action Campaign how to mobilise around such goals," she said.

A teacher from Umlazi asked how school learners could be encouraged to take HIV seriously and go forward for VCT. In response, Fezeka confirmed that in South Africa, the age group between 15 and 24, but also of 14-years-old and younger, were highly vulnerable to HIV transmission. "I think the kids are aware of this threat to their health and future," she said. "It's critical that throughout society, we do everything possible to conquer the fear, shame and denial that surrounds the epidemic, so that the youth themselves actively fight against the stigma attached to HIV and AIDS and support each other in being open about it."

In thanking Fezeka for her input, the KwaMagaga School Choir for performing their own composition of a stirring hymn for AIDS healing, and all those who had organised the event and the campaign, Richard Pithouse of UKZN's Centre for Civil Society closed the meeting by saying: "Here is a call to positive action. Our campus community now has access to everything needed in the fight against HIV and AIDS, so let's commit ourselves to spreading this good news - not the virus."