MANY HIV/Aids prevention efforts are targeting young people of tertiary education age as the national HIV infection rate peaks at the age of 25.
The transition from high school to the higher education environment remains a risk for the youth as they enter an era of meeting new people and adopting new approaches and habits to personal and sexual relationships while the HIV infection rates remains high.
With the start of the study year, the Higher Education and Training HIV/Aids Programme (HEAIDS) kicked off its seventh annual campus-based HIV, STIs, TB and related health and wellness initiative, ‘First Things First’.
It reaches more than 400 campuses of 76 universities and colleges in the higher education sector.
HEAIDS Director, Dr Ramneek Ahluwalia, said students across the country last year challenged the foundations of the South African higher education system and the process will most likely continue this academic year.
‘Most youth understand that HIV, STIs and TB are preventable, yet these conditions hit thousands of students and stifle progress and prospects, possibly for life.
‘We empower each student to take ownership of their health and future-proof their educational and professional success.
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‘Student-friendly testing services and condoms are available on campus.
‘Medical male circumcision available on campuses more than halves men’s lifelong risk of acquiring HIV and many other STIs.
‘Contraception and reproductive health services for women are also easily accessible and allow young female students to take responsibility for their own sexual and reproductive health.’
Meanwhile, for students and staff who are living with HIV, the treatment centres on-site or near to campuses means better health and quality of life and greater productivity, while reducing the pool of HIV and therefore new infections within our sector and community.
HEAIDS and the higher education and training institutions also assist in addressing other wellness issues that increase risk factors, such as alcohol and drug abuse and gender-based violence.
‘As we start this new year, and prepare to tackle our academic, intellectual and professional goals and priorities, we urge students and youth to make 2017 a healthy year.
‘The rewards will be both immediate and long-term as it allows for greater confidence to work hard and achieve educational and career aspirations,’ said Dr Ahluwalia.
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