The programmes of the HIV/Aids Unit received unparalleled publicity on various platforms during the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban.
A quilt, called Choices, which was designed by its staffers and peer educators to showcase their work was not only displayed at the conference, but was also published in the South African National AIDS Council’s publication, ‘In our Hands. South Africans tell their story of hope’.
The quilt was also on display at the conference where national ministers and VIP delegates did a walkabout.
The CPUT delegation was composed of the unit’s team, three peer educators as well as two students from CPUT and False Bay College who won an all-expenses trip to the Durban Conference’s Global Village during the 2016 CPUT Youth Leadership HIV/AIDS Conference.
The two students’ trip was paid for by the International AIDS Society.
Higher Education AIDS’ poster presentation included CPUT’s best practices with respect to HIV Programs, including the annual Youth Leadership HIV/AIDS Conference organised by CPUT in collaboration with universities and TVET Colleges in the region.
Peer Educators also presented the Youtube video clip that was prepared for the First Year Experience 2017, reflecting on services rendered and high risk behaviour of students.
“We were one of two institutions (CPUT and Wits) that presented best practices at the Global Village,” says the unit’s Coordinator, Melanie Marais.
Marais adds that HIV treatment guidelines were revised at the conference.
“As from 1 September 2016 ARVs will be provided to all patients who test HIV positive and Pre-exposure prophylaxis (ARVs used to prevent HIV infection) will be made available to sex workers.”
