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Confronting inequalities to reduce transmission of HIV and AIDS

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Unisa choir giving hope to Unisans through a musical item

With ‘Equalize’ as a slogan, Unisa hosted its World AIDS Day on 1 December 2022 to promote the national theme for the commemoration. Created by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS, the theme focuses on equalising World AIDS Day to ensure that inequalities are not impeding progress in dealing with chronic immune system diseases. 

The theme emphasises equality in the most basic services such as testing, treatment, condoms and new technologies, as well as equal access to the best HIV science among communities.

Dr Phasoane Mokgobu, Vice-Principal: Institutional Development at Unisa

In his welcoming and opening remarks, Dr Phasoane Mokgobu, Unisa’s Vice-Principal of Institutional Development, said that the event seeks to support people living with HIV and to also remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS. Contextualising the theme, Mokgobu said that the inequalities that perpetuate the spread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic are not inevitable. ‘We can deal with them,’ he said.

According to Mokgobu, testing is crucial to maintain a healthy life and prevent HIV transmission. He also vouched for routine HIV screening. Mokgobu mentioned that the university’s Employee Relations and Wellness Division, under Human Resources (HR), demonstrates the commitment to not only stop the new cases of HIV, but to also fight the stigma and discrimination to secure the rights of people living with HIV.

‘This year’s World AIDS Day campaign is not different,’ said Mokgobu. ‘We are celebrating the diversity and people who make up this university’s community. We also celebrate colleagues who stand shoulder to shoulder with them to fight for HIV rights.’ Mokgobu added that the university has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to end the HIV epidemic for good.

Highlighting the importance of communication and awareness in the university, Mokgobu stated that the university should invest in scientific innovations for prevention, testing, treatment, and care to empower communities and make sure no one is left behind. Mokgobu concluded by urging Unisans to work together in building a healthier and safer working environment.

Prof Khehla Ndlovu, Vice-Principal: Strategy, Risk and Advisory Services

Speaking at the event, Unisa’s Vice-Principal of Strategy, Risk and Advisory Services, Professor Khehla Ndlovu, said that the university prides itself in approving the HIV and AIDS policy. Presenting the statistics and estimations on people living with HIV in Africa, Ndlovu shared that the annual number of HIV infections has decreased. Furthermore, Ndlovu notified Unisans about Higher Health South Africa, an institution aiming to improve the wellbeing of students in 26 universities and 50 TVET colleges in the country. He further encouraged Unisans to continue living healthy and take full responsibility of their health.

Another speaker who emphasised testing and knowing one’s status was Dr Phumzile Dlamini, the Acting Executive Director: HR. Dlamini explained to the audience that testing is not only limited to HIV and AIDS. ‘We have other screenings,’ she said. ‘All of us need to get tested,’ said Dlamini, urging Unisans to appreciate the efforts and support Unisa is giving to its staff members.

Guiding the audience on testing stations, Sister Mokgadi Tefo, a Professional Nurse from HR, assured the audience that Unisa Campus Health Clinic is available on working days to support the health of Unisans. ‘It is always good to know your health status,’ continued Tefo, echoing the other speakers. She also announced that Unisa will be recognised as a private facility to give chronic medication.

During the event, the Unisa choir offered a musical interlude to entertain the crowd. Importantly, the health screenings took place after the programme.

The event was organised to educate, inform and challenge Unisans to take a full responsibility for their health and the message reached its targeted audience.

Unisans commemorating 2022 World AIDS Day

*By Lesego Chiloane-Ravhudzulo, Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

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Publish date: 2022-12-02 00:00:00.0

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