UJ endorses healthy living in light of World TB Day
AUCKLAND PARK – University of Johannesburg commemorates World TB Day by educates their scholars and lecturers on how to be healthy.
In lieu of World Tuberculosis Day, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) hosted a commemorative day where scholars and lecturers were tested for different illnesses.
On 17 March, the campus partnered with the Institutional Office for HIV/Aids (IOHA), the UJ Gymnasia, City of Joburg TB Unit and the Clinical HIV Research Unit to conduct free testing for blood pressure, glucose levels, HIV and TB and cervical cancer screenings.
Head of primary health care service at the university, Molimi Geya explained that though the day falls on 24 March internationally, the university chose this particular day because it suited its calendar.
“It was a beautiful day, we had lots of students attending and it seemed as though tuberculosis information was being shared.”
Geya explained there was still a stigma associated with tuberculosis, however, with the correct information one would be properly educated.
“TB is a bacteria that can affect anyone as it can be breathed in, but it is curable.”
Adding that all one needs to rid themselves of the disease is to know the symptoms, go for testing and take medication on a daily basis.
“Depending on severity, it could take six to nine months to be cured.”
UJ Gymnasia manager, Darshan Raman said their aim for the day was to let scholars know that there is a gym on campus.
“We have a highly innovative gym that we make affordable to the students.”
On the day, rowers used the new machines which simulate rowing to show the scholars how they work.
Head of IOHA, Rainny Nkhatho said that from 2015, they noticed that the culture of testing on campus went through a massive improvement.
“The students just feel comfortable coming to us and are interested in their health.
Nkatho hoped that such days brought self-awareness about individual health.
“As they are the future leaders, I also hope they take what they learned back home and to their communities,” concluded Nkatho.
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