TS & CENT r ES Hiv /Aids u nit

Peer Educators 2014

Joining the Peer Education programme is one of the most serious decisions a student has to make; it involves commitment and ethical grooming. The HIV/ Aids Unit asked the 2014 group why they joined the programme and what they hoped to achieve. These were some of the students’ responses:

• “It is cool to know your status”

• “Be the change you want to see”

• “Now I know that can one day be a role model to someone”

• “Prevention is better than treating”

Men’s Health Buzzz

In 2014, males were encouraged to sign up for voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC). The campaign also aimed at encouraging males to lead a positive lifestyle that is governed by risk-free behavior and physical fitness, as well as a positive mental attitude. Endorsed by Higher Education Aids (HEAIDS) and the Department of Health, the campaign achieved its goals through emphasising the benefits of various men’s health interventions. Social issues like alcohol and substance abuse and gender-based violence were key discussion points throughout the year. A Men’s Health campaign was launched, with the VC, Dr Nevhutalu, officially opening the launch. The campaign was packed with many aspects that impact on men’s health, including nutrition and fitness, alcohol and drugs, gender-based issues and many more. As part of this package, VMMC was piloted at the Cape Town campus, and was later rolled out to other campuses. A total of 28 circumcisions were performed at the Campus Clinics and awareness campaigns were held through discussion groups at campus residences.

Women’s Health Buzzz

Campaigns for women and girls launched at various campuses were aligned with the National Strategic Plan for HIV, STIs and TB (2012 to 2016).

CPUT supports TVET colleges

The HIV/Aids Unit has established a good working relationship with the College of Cape Town, as part of the project to support Technical Vocational Educational Training (TVET) institutions with their fight against HIV. During his institutional visit to CPUT, Dr Ahluwalia Ramneek requested the VC to provide HIV support to TVET colleges through the HIV/Aids Unit. This has been a wonderful experience for the CPUT unit, as there has been a great level of commitment from the College of Cape Town. Some of the College of Cape Town students attended gender training and some staff attended the colloquium mentioned below. CPUT also supported the TVET colleges through its Mobile Wellness Unit, providing HIV counselling and testing.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Colloquium

The primary objective of the colloquium was to raise awareness and create sensitivity around the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersexual communities, particularly within the higher education context. Most of CPUT HIV/Aids Unit key stakeholders attended the event. Ms Melanie Marais, the head of the unit, said, “It is important for our major internal stakeholders to be aware of and sensitive to the LGBTI needs and challenges they may experience”. The programme included a keynote address from Ms Sharon Ludwig (Triangle Project). Dr Kevin Rebe and Ms Sindiswa Balani (Health4Men) presented on the health needs of men who have sex with other men (MSM). Mr Nathan Kayser (UWC) shared best practices on coordinating a LGBTI project at university level. Ms Sianne Abrahams (UCT) shared her institute’s response to MSM-LGBTI services. Mr Jaco Brink (SU) presented the findings of a research survey completed at 14 higher education institutions in South Africa focusing on the sexual health, HIV knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of male students who have sex with men.