SHARC - Student HIV/ Aids Resistance Campaign
posted by SHARC @ 1:30 AM
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Thursday, January 26, 2006
Welcome to 2006
HI everyone and welcome to 2006! Thanks for checking out our blog.
Just some info for new students at RU... SHARC, the Student HIV/ Aids Resistance Campaign (read through our blog if you want to know more about who we are) will be giving workshops to all the first years during O-week. These workshops are compulsory for all first years. On Tuesday (7/2/06) we'll be at Mandela Hall from 17:45-18:45 and then at St. Mary's and Founder's Hall from 19:00-20:00. On the Wednesday (8/2/06) we'll be at Kimberley Hall from 17:45-18:45 and at Allan Webb and Hobson Hall from 19:00-20:00 and then on Thursday (8/2/06) we'll be at Smuts Hall from 17:45-18:45 and at Drostdy and Oriel Hall from 19:00-20:00. We'll be meeting everyone at their respective dining halls except for Allan Webb who we'll meet in the Nun's Chapel. Even if you think you know everything about HIV , you must be there. This is your chance to talk to students just like you about sexuality and the biggest challenge our currently faces. SO we'll see you there!
SHARC and the Counselling Centre will be hosting an HIV Testing Drive in the Student Union Building from the 27th of February until the 3rd of March. The great thing about the testing drive is that the pre and post counselling as well as the test (a tiny pin prick to the finger) will be done in the same building in less than an hour. But remember, there is a three month window period (scroll down for more info) so the resluts of being tested during the testing drive will only reflect what happenened before 30 November 2005. Check campus posters for more details closer to the time. Knowledge is power. Know your status!
If you are interested in joining SHARC sign up outside the library, Eden Grove and the Drama Department from 10:00- 14:00 every day during Societies Week (the first week of lectures) or at Societies evening. It only costs R115 for the year (which goes off your student account) which includes a T-shirt, membership to SHARC and to the Rhodes branch of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC RU).
Now is the time to face up to Aids. Join SHARC and make a difference.
Just some info for new students at RU... SHARC, the Student HIV/ Aids Resistance Campaign (read through our blog if you want to know more about who we are) will be giving workshops to all the first years during O-week. These workshops are compulsory for all first years. On Tuesday (7/2/06) we'll be at Mandela Hall from 17:45-18:45 and then at St. Mary's and Founder's Hall from 19:00-20:00. On the Wednesday (8/2/06) we'll be at Kimberley Hall from 17:45-18:45 and at Allan Webb and Hobson Hall from 19:00-20:00 and then on Thursday (8/2/06) we'll be at Smuts Hall from 17:45-18:45 and at Drostdy and Oriel Hall from 19:00-20:00. We'll be meeting everyone at their respective dining halls except for Allan Webb who we'll meet in the Nun's Chapel. Even if you think you know everything about HIV , you must be there. This is your chance to talk to students just like you about sexuality and the biggest challenge our currently faces. SO we'll see you there!
SHARC and the Counselling Centre will be hosting an HIV Testing Drive in the Student Union Building from the 27th of February until the 3rd of March. The great thing about the testing drive is that the pre and post counselling as well as the test (a tiny pin prick to the finger) will be done in the same building in less than an hour. But remember, there is a three month window period (scroll down for more info) so the resluts of being tested during the testing drive will only reflect what happenened before 30 November 2005. Check campus posters for more details closer to the time. Knowledge is power. Know your status!
If you are interested in joining SHARC sign up outside the library, Eden Grove and the Drama Department from 10:00- 14:00 every day during Societies Week (the first week of lectures) or at Societies evening. It only costs R115 for the year (which goes off your student account) which includes a T-shirt, membership to SHARC and to the Rhodes branch of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC RU).
Now is the time to face up to Aids. Join SHARC and make a difference.
posted by SHARC @ 1:25 AM
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Sunday, October 30, 2005
Picnic with the Rafael Centre
Sharc enjoyed a wonderfully brilliant time picnicing with the kids and adults from the Raphael Centre at the Botanical Gardens on Saturday. The afternoon included loads of ball games and some real talent was shown by the kids (the SHARC members struggled somewhat to keep up). A game of pass-the-parcel was thoroughly enjoyed by all and music was provided by drum soc. The picnic concluded with a treasure hunt and bucket loads of sweets were consumed. The result was hyperactive but very happy children. The adults enjoyed a relaxing day in the sun and it is safe to say that a good time was had by all.
posted by SHARC @ 3:47 AM
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Thursday, October 13, 2005
HIV/AIDS Support groups
We are attempting to get an HIV positive student support group on Rhodes campus, where students living with the disease can meet to encourage and support each other. No such group has ever existed at Rhodes and many other universities, such as UCT and Wits, have support groups opperating successfully. We, as SHARC, feel it is important that effort be put into creating a support structure for students with HIV. If you are interested in joining this support group or have any suggestions as to how such a group should be run, please talk to any of the counsellors at the RU Counselling Centre (Prince ALfred Street). All information will be treated with the strictest confidence. We look forward to hearing from you.
posted by SHARC @ 4:04 AM
0 comments
Friday, September 02, 2005
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Proposed amendments to Rhodes University 's HIV policy
(Additions are in bold italics)
POLICY ON HIV INFECTION AND AIDS
(30 October 2000)
Policy StatementThe University recognises the extreme seriousness of HIV infection and AIDS, and in view of the implications of the disease both at the workplace and wider society it is committed to formulating a policy to deal with the problem.Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The (The use of the definite article here is unnecessary and non-standard terminology) HIV is spread only when contaminated body fluid (effectively blood, semen or vaginal fluid) enters the bloodstream of a non-infected person.The dominant modes of transmission of the HIV are:
· unprotected penetrative sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal, anal) where the exchange of bodily fluids takes place,
· through the accidental or deliberate shared use of HIV contaminated needles or skin cutting instruments (in and out of health care settings),
· from infected mothers to infants, (It would be helpful to state specifically here that HIV may also be transmitted via breastmilk)
· through transfusion of infected blood or blood products.
Since the HIV cannot be contracted through most usual work-place or study contact the University will view a person infected with HIV as it does any well person and it will view a person with AIDS as it does a person with any other chronic illness or disability. This wording is problematic, as it suggests an artificial dichotomy between “well” people and HIV-infected people. However, it should also be stated that there are certain additional services available to those members of the university who are HIV positive.Given the nature of the disease and the devastating effect it is already having in (on?) our society, the University affirms the need to make its position clear on the following key questions related to HIV infection and AIDS, in the interests of those infected as well as of those who are not currently infected.
1. Confidentiality
Within the limits of the law the University will respect the right of staff and students to confidentiality of their HIV status. However, we recommend that the university encourage a disclosure strategy, in order to help diminish stigma over time
.2. Screening
(In keeping with the South African legal framework and Department of Health regulations), potential staff and students will not be refused employment or entry to the University on the grounds that they test positive for HIV. The University will not therefore, introduce compulsory screening procedures to test for HIV (either prior to employment/admission or during employment/study).
3. Testing
The University endorses informed consent for individual testing, accompanied by confidential and appropriate counselling, and encourages both employees and students to be aware of their HIV status so that they can make appropriate health decisions for themselves. (How does the university actively ‘encourage’ testing? Information on testing sites is available in Orientation Week materials, for example, but the university needs to make an explicit commitment to urging students and staff to be tested for HIV.)
4. Employment Contracts
4.1 No employment contract will be terminated on account of HIV positivity or AIDS alone.
4.2 Affected (and infected) staff are encouraged to advise the University where there are job performance implications. (The ‘performance implications’ at stake need to be explicitly stated.)
4.3 Provided the staff member is able to work effectively, the University will make every reasonable effort to accommodate the member of staff but, if the person is no longer able to work, and/or no suitable position can be found after the University has attempted to identify such a position, the appropriate retirement policies or other Labour Relations rules will apply
.5. Education
Issues of discrimination and victimisation still surround HIV infection and AIDS. These arise from misconceptions regarding the origins of the virus, misinformation about promiscuity and sexuality (and race, gender and financial status), and inaccuracy concerning the infectiousness (infectivity) of people who carry the virus.
Most people are potentially susceptible to HIV infection. We recommend that this be changed to “all people are potentially susceptible to HIV infection”, as this is a more accurate statement. With no cure in sight, prevention through education is the only means available to us (A limiting statement. Other modes of prevention include the use of prophylaxes such as condoms, femidoms, or microbicides, and the treatment of sexually transmitted infections, the existence of which can increase the chances of HIV infection during sex a hundred-fold) . The University therefore commits itself to running education programmes which will address these issues. These education programmes are currently not materialising: the workshops on ‘safe sex’ run by House Committees during O-Week are inadequate. Students require more specific education on modes of HIV transmission and associated issues, particularly because one cannot assume that all students have come through secondary schooling that has provided them with this information. We recommend in particular the implementation of a comprehensive peer education workshop system, which has been found to be most effective in other South African tertiary institutions.
5.1 Individual Awareness
The University will inform staff and students about the nature and transmission of the virus, and precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection. This information is not sufficiently visible on the Rhodes campus.
5.2 Social AwarenessThe University is opposed to any form of discrimination against HIV positive people or AIDS sufferers and their partners, family and friends on the basis of their HIV infection or AIDS. The University therefore commits itself to programmes which address these issues and which foster a compassion for the sufferers. (The term ‘sufferers’ is problematic: we recommend the term “those infected”.) These “programmes” are not materializing.
5.3 Awareness of the Policy
The University will ensure that all staff members and students are aware of this policy and its implications as it affects them, and the people for whom they are responsible as managers, lecturers, wardens, sub-wardens or administrative staff. This policy is difficult to find on the Rhodes University website, which appears to be the only place where it is publicly displayed; and there are no other systems in place to ensure that staff and students are made aware of the policy.
.6. Emergency or First-Aid Situations
The University believes that universal precautions should be adopted by all individuals likely to be involved in administering first aid. The University undertakes to educate all first aid officials in universal precaution techniques and to require that all first-aid kits (including those of sports clubs and appropriate departments/divisions) be equipped with the necessary equipment. These first-aid kits will be inspected regularly by the responsible person (the appropriate Safety Representative, Sports Officer, Hall Warden, Sanatorium Sister, etc)
.7. High Risk Areas
Whenever members of staff or students are likely to experience a risk of exposure to HIV infection in the course of their duties or studies, the University undertakes to set in place additional procedures for prevention of infection. These ‘additional procedures’ require specification
.8. Staff and Student Interactions
8.1 Because of the modes of transmission of infection, the HIV status of an individual should not become a reason for staff or students refusing to work with, study with or be taught by such an individual. Consequently such refusal will, in general, not be considered a valid reason for non-compliance with academic work or other University requirements.Students and staff will not be barred from attending lectures, living in residences, being on campus or being involved in campus activities on account of their HIV positivity or AIDS alone.
8.2 In the case of sports that may carry a higher than normal risk of HIV infection, it is the responsibility of that club to adhere to its own code of practice or to put into place appropriate procedures for the minimization of risk, consistent with this policy. Sports clubs are inadequately trained to carry this responsibility. The issue of potential HIV transmission through contact sports is problematic and is currently under-addressed at Rhodes. A medical professional is required to give input on the specific safety requirements of each sport, e.g. rugby
.9. Benefits
The University, through the Human Resources Division, undertakes to ensure that all current health disability and pension benefits and life assurance plans are appropriate to deal with HIV and AIDS and to ensure that members of staff receive suitable benefits, protection and support.
10. Treatment
Students or staff who have been exposed to infection in the course of their official duties or their studies will receive appropriate assistance from the University. This statement is problematic, as it suggests that students or staff who arrive at the university already infected with HIV will not receive assistance. This is unacceptable, especially as it may well be the case that such a student or staff member only discovers that they are HIV-positive while a part of the Rhodes community. This may include anti- retroviral medication, under medical advice, in an emergency situation. This statement requires far stronger wording. Rhodes University needs to explicitly commit to administering anti-retroviral medication in an emergency situation where a student or staff member believes that they may have been exposed to HIV. Appropriate charges may be levied
.11. HIV/AIDS Task Group
11.1 Composition
The Implementation of the University's HIV/AIDS policy will be the responsibility of the HIV/AIDS Committee which will be constituted as follows:Head: Counselling & Career Centre (convenor)One representative from the Human Resources DivisionOne member of the SRCOne Warden nominated by the Board of ResidencesOne student nominated by the Board of ResidencesOne representative from each of NEHAWU and NTESUOne student from the Oppidan UnionOne representative from the East London campus
As the HIV/AIDS Task Group, in addition to Rhodes East London, no longer exists, this requires updating. In terms of its composition, we recommend:
-The HIV/AIDS Committees of other South African universities include an HIV-positive student or staff member. While this may not always be logistically possible, Rhodes University should attempt to include such an individual, as their input into the dynamics of any issue may importantly differ from an HIV-negative individual.
-We recommend that a representative from the San be included.
-We recommend that at least one member of academic staff be included.
-We also recommend that a member of the SHARC committee be included on this committee, as they should have a higher level of education and sensitivity on issues pertaining to HIV and AIDS than the average student.-
11.2 Powers to co-opt
This (nullified) committee will have powers to co-opt as required. Areas of the University from which such co-opted members should be considered include: the Dean of Students, the Library, the Sanatorium, Sports Administration, Marketing and Communications, Centre for AIDS Development, Research and Evaluation (CARDE) (This should read CADRE), the Estates Division and higher risk academic areas such as certain departments in the Faculties of Science and Pharmacy.
11.3 Meetings
This committee will meet at least once each term. This committee is currently not meeting, as it does not currently exist, which is unacceptable.
11.4 Reporting
This Committee will report through the Student Services Council to Senate and to the Director of the Human Resources Division concerning its activities. There should be a more direct channel of communication to students and staff on the Committee’s activities and findings
.11.5 Objectives
The objectives of this Committee will be to engage in activities on the Grahamstown campus as well as on the East London campus (This can be omitted), and take steps to provide education, counselling and support for students and staff of the University concerning HIV/AIDS and related issues in order to:
(a) Raise the awareness of HIV/AIDS as potentially problematic to the Rhodes community as individuals as well as corporately. We recommend that “potentially” be omitted, as HIV/AIDS is unequivocally problematic.
(b) Encourage appropriate responses and support towards those who are HIV positive, and to others who suffer as a result. Needs specification regarding which responses are ‘appropriate’ and how these are to be ‘encourage[d]’.
(c) Encourage appropriate behaviour to limit the chances of becoming infected.
11.6 Activities
To achieve these objectives the Committee, in close co-operation with other campus services and divisions such as the SRC, University Library, academic departments, Human Resources, staff associations, counselling and health services and with appropriate community resources may: We recommend that a verb of stronger commitment replace “may” here, such as “will”; as currently, to our knowledge, none of the measures listed below are being implemented, with the possible exception of (d) – a support group for HIV-positive individuals does meet.
(a) undertake research into knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS amongst staff and students, their sexual practices and other related issues;
(b) maintain a data base of all HIV/AIDS related research and other activities being undertaken by departments and divisions of the University;
(c) arrange education programmes to raise the awareness amongst staff and students about HIV/AIDS related issues and to foster a supportive and caring attitude towards those who are infected;
(d) co-ordinate "support services" for students and staff who have HIV/AIDS related concerns;(e) make representations to the University for the inclusion of HIV/AIDS related issues in relevant subject curricula;
(f) make representations to the University concerning HIV/AIDS related benefits and medical care;
(g) act in an advisory capacity to the University and communicate relevant concerns to the wider community.
12. REVIEW
The HIV/AIDS Committee will review this policy from time to time. The phrase “from time to time” is virtually meaningless: an explicit commitment must be made to reviewing this policy at least annually.
IN ADDITION:
· We recommend that the university activate the re-constituted HIV/AIDS Task Group as soon as possible and draw on all stakeholders for an institutional strategic plan development.
· We recommend that the university employs an ‘Institutional Officer’ to oversee and coordinate all HIV/AIDS-related educational programmes, the distribution of educational materials, the support structures for HIV-positive staff and students, and all other matters pertaining to the management of HIV on campus.
· We highly recommend that the university commission a study, in line with the strictest ethical, methodological and epidemiological precepts, in order to assess the extent to which HIV infection is disseminated among both student and staff populations. In this regard, we recommend that the least invasive method of testing for HIV, i.e. the ‘spit test’, be employed in the context of a representative sample. In keeping with the antenatal surveys conducted nationally each October, the highest standards of anonymity must be maintained.
· We recommend that the university commits itself to routinely scanning, and implementing, developments in HIV policy-making, education, preventative strategies and treatment programmes, in order to encourage annual updates.
· We recommend that this policy includes a commitment from Rhodes University to support (both financially and otherwise) the work of Aids-related student groups, like SHARC (as is the case with the HIV policies of other South African universities)
· We recommend that this policy includes a commitment from Rhodes University, in terms of funding and human resources, to an annual HIV/Aids Awareness Week, with the associated HIV Testing Drive
POLICY ON HIV INFECTION AND AIDS
(30 October 2000)
Policy StatementThe University recognises the extreme seriousness of HIV infection and AIDS, and in view of the implications of the disease both at the workplace and wider society it is committed to formulating a policy to deal with the problem.Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The (The use of the definite article here is unnecessary and non-standard terminology) HIV is spread only when contaminated body fluid (effectively blood, semen or vaginal fluid) enters the bloodstream of a non-infected person.The dominant modes of transmission of the HIV are:
· unprotected penetrative sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal, anal) where the exchange of bodily fluids takes place,
· through the accidental or deliberate shared use of HIV contaminated needles or skin cutting instruments (in and out of health care settings),
· from infected mothers to infants, (It would be helpful to state specifically here that HIV may also be transmitted via breastmilk)
· through transfusion of infected blood or blood products.
Since the HIV cannot be contracted through most usual work-place or study contact the University will view a person infected with HIV as it does any well person and it will view a person with AIDS as it does a person with any other chronic illness or disability. This wording is problematic, as it suggests an artificial dichotomy between “well” people and HIV-infected people. However, it should also be stated that there are certain additional services available to those members of the university who are HIV positive.Given the nature of the disease and the devastating effect it is already having in (on?) our society, the University affirms the need to make its position clear on the following key questions related to HIV infection and AIDS, in the interests of those infected as well as of those who are not currently infected.
1. Confidentiality
Within the limits of the law the University will respect the right of staff and students to confidentiality of their HIV status. However, we recommend that the university encourage a disclosure strategy, in order to help diminish stigma over time
.2. Screening
(In keeping with the South African legal framework and Department of Health regulations), potential staff and students will not be refused employment or entry to the University on the grounds that they test positive for HIV. The University will not therefore, introduce compulsory screening procedures to test for HIV (either prior to employment/admission or during employment/study).
3. Testing
The University endorses informed consent for individual testing, accompanied by confidential and appropriate counselling, and encourages both employees and students to be aware of their HIV status so that they can make appropriate health decisions for themselves. (How does the university actively ‘encourage’ testing? Information on testing sites is available in Orientation Week materials, for example, but the university needs to make an explicit commitment to urging students and staff to be tested for HIV.)
4. Employment Contracts
4.1 No employment contract will be terminated on account of HIV positivity or AIDS alone.
4.2 Affected (and infected) staff are encouraged to advise the University where there are job performance implications. (The ‘performance implications’ at stake need to be explicitly stated.)
4.3 Provided the staff member is able to work effectively, the University will make every reasonable effort to accommodate the member of staff but, if the person is no longer able to work, and/or no suitable position can be found after the University has attempted to identify such a position, the appropriate retirement policies or other Labour Relations rules will apply
.5. Education
Issues of discrimination and victimisation still surround HIV infection and AIDS. These arise from misconceptions regarding the origins of the virus, misinformation about promiscuity and sexuality (and race, gender and financial status), and inaccuracy concerning the infectiousness (infectivity) of people who carry the virus.
Most people are potentially susceptible to HIV infection. We recommend that this be changed to “all people are potentially susceptible to HIV infection”, as this is a more accurate statement. With no cure in sight, prevention through education is the only means available to us (A limiting statement. Other modes of prevention include the use of prophylaxes such as condoms, femidoms, or microbicides, and the treatment of sexually transmitted infections, the existence of which can increase the chances of HIV infection during sex a hundred-fold) . The University therefore commits itself to running education programmes which will address these issues. These education programmes are currently not materialising: the workshops on ‘safe sex’ run by House Committees during O-Week are inadequate. Students require more specific education on modes of HIV transmission and associated issues, particularly because one cannot assume that all students have come through secondary schooling that has provided them with this information. We recommend in particular the implementation of a comprehensive peer education workshop system, which has been found to be most effective in other South African tertiary institutions.
5.1 Individual Awareness
The University will inform staff and students about the nature and transmission of the virus, and precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection. This information is not sufficiently visible on the Rhodes campus.
5.2 Social AwarenessThe University is opposed to any form of discrimination against HIV positive people or AIDS sufferers and their partners, family and friends on the basis of their HIV infection or AIDS. The University therefore commits itself to programmes which address these issues and which foster a compassion for the sufferers. (The term ‘sufferers’ is problematic: we recommend the term “those infected”.) These “programmes” are not materializing.
5.3 Awareness of the Policy
The University will ensure that all staff members and students are aware of this policy and its implications as it affects them, and the people for whom they are responsible as managers, lecturers, wardens, sub-wardens or administrative staff. This policy is difficult to find on the Rhodes University website, which appears to be the only place where it is publicly displayed; and there are no other systems in place to ensure that staff and students are made aware of the policy.
.6. Emergency or First-Aid Situations
The University believes that universal precautions should be adopted by all individuals likely to be involved in administering first aid. The University undertakes to educate all first aid officials in universal precaution techniques and to require that all first-aid kits (including those of sports clubs and appropriate departments/divisions) be equipped with the necessary equipment. These first-aid kits will be inspected regularly by the responsible person (the appropriate Safety Representative, Sports Officer, Hall Warden, Sanatorium Sister, etc)
.7. High Risk Areas
Whenever members of staff or students are likely to experience a risk of exposure to HIV infection in the course of their duties or studies, the University undertakes to set in place additional procedures for prevention of infection. These ‘additional procedures’ require specification
.8. Staff and Student Interactions
8.1 Because of the modes of transmission of infection, the HIV status of an individual should not become a reason for staff or students refusing to work with, study with or be taught by such an individual. Consequently such refusal will, in general, not be considered a valid reason for non-compliance with academic work or other University requirements.Students and staff will not be barred from attending lectures, living in residences, being on campus or being involved in campus activities on account of their HIV positivity or AIDS alone.
8.2 In the case of sports that may carry a higher than normal risk of HIV infection, it is the responsibility of that club to adhere to its own code of practice or to put into place appropriate procedures for the minimization of risk, consistent with this policy. Sports clubs are inadequately trained to carry this responsibility. The issue of potential HIV transmission through contact sports is problematic and is currently under-addressed at Rhodes. A medical professional is required to give input on the specific safety requirements of each sport, e.g. rugby
.9. Benefits
The University, through the Human Resources Division, undertakes to ensure that all current health disability and pension benefits and life assurance plans are appropriate to deal with HIV and AIDS and to ensure that members of staff receive suitable benefits, protection and support.
10. Treatment
Students or staff who have been exposed to infection in the course of their official duties or their studies will receive appropriate assistance from the University. This statement is problematic, as it suggests that students or staff who arrive at the university already infected with HIV will not receive assistance. This is unacceptable, especially as it may well be the case that such a student or staff member only discovers that they are HIV-positive while a part of the Rhodes community. This may include anti- retroviral medication, under medical advice, in an emergency situation. This statement requires far stronger wording. Rhodes University needs to explicitly commit to administering anti-retroviral medication in an emergency situation where a student or staff member believes that they may have been exposed to HIV. Appropriate charges may be levied
.11. HIV/AIDS Task Group
11.1 Composition
The Implementation of the University's HIV/AIDS policy will be the responsibility of the HIV/AIDS Committee which will be constituted as follows:Head: Counselling & Career Centre (convenor)One representative from the Human Resources DivisionOne member of the SRCOne Warden nominated by the Board of ResidencesOne student nominated by the Board of ResidencesOne representative from each of NEHAWU and NTESUOne student from the Oppidan UnionOne representative from the East London campus
As the HIV/AIDS Task Group, in addition to Rhodes East London, no longer exists, this requires updating. In terms of its composition, we recommend:
-The HIV/AIDS Committees of other South African universities include an HIV-positive student or staff member. While this may not always be logistically possible, Rhodes University should attempt to include such an individual, as their input into the dynamics of any issue may importantly differ from an HIV-negative individual.
-We recommend that a representative from the San be included.
-We recommend that at least one member of academic staff be included.
-We also recommend that a member of the SHARC committee be included on this committee, as they should have a higher level of education and sensitivity on issues pertaining to HIV and AIDS than the average student.-
11.2 Powers to co-opt
This (nullified) committee will have powers to co-opt as required. Areas of the University from which such co-opted members should be considered include: the Dean of Students, the Library, the Sanatorium, Sports Administration, Marketing and Communications, Centre for AIDS Development, Research and Evaluation (CARDE) (This should read CADRE), the Estates Division and higher risk academic areas such as certain departments in the Faculties of Science and Pharmacy.
11.3 Meetings
This committee will meet at least once each term. This committee is currently not meeting, as it does not currently exist, which is unacceptable.
11.4 Reporting
This Committee will report through the Student Services Council to Senate and to the Director of the Human Resources Division concerning its activities. There should be a more direct channel of communication to students and staff on the Committee’s activities and findings
.11.5 Objectives
The objectives of this Committee will be to engage in activities on the Grahamstown campus as well as on the East London campus (This can be omitted), and take steps to provide education, counselling and support for students and staff of the University concerning HIV/AIDS and related issues in order to:
(a) Raise the awareness of HIV/AIDS as potentially problematic to the Rhodes community as individuals as well as corporately. We recommend that “potentially” be omitted, as HIV/AIDS is unequivocally problematic.
(b) Encourage appropriate responses and support towards those who are HIV positive, and to others who suffer as a result. Needs specification regarding which responses are ‘appropriate’ and how these are to be ‘encourage[d]’.
(c) Encourage appropriate behaviour to limit the chances of becoming infected.
11.6 Activities
To achieve these objectives the Committee, in close co-operation with other campus services and divisions such as the SRC, University Library, academic departments, Human Resources, staff associations, counselling and health services and with appropriate community resources may: We recommend that a verb of stronger commitment replace “may” here, such as “will”; as currently, to our knowledge, none of the measures listed below are being implemented, with the possible exception of (d) – a support group for HIV-positive individuals does meet.
(a) undertake research into knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS amongst staff and students, their sexual practices and other related issues;
(b) maintain a data base of all HIV/AIDS related research and other activities being undertaken by departments and divisions of the University;
(c) arrange education programmes to raise the awareness amongst staff and students about HIV/AIDS related issues and to foster a supportive and caring attitude towards those who are infected;
(d) co-ordinate "support services" for students and staff who have HIV/AIDS related concerns;(e) make representations to the University for the inclusion of HIV/AIDS related issues in relevant subject curricula;
(f) make representations to the University concerning HIV/AIDS related benefits and medical care;
(g) act in an advisory capacity to the University and communicate relevant concerns to the wider community.
12. REVIEW
The HIV/AIDS Committee will review this policy from time to time. The phrase “from time to time” is virtually meaningless: an explicit commitment must be made to reviewing this policy at least annually.
IN ADDITION:
· We recommend that the university activate the re-constituted HIV/AIDS Task Group as soon as possible and draw on all stakeholders for an institutional strategic plan development.
· We recommend that the university employs an ‘Institutional Officer’ to oversee and coordinate all HIV/AIDS-related educational programmes, the distribution of educational materials, the support structures for HIV-positive staff and students, and all other matters pertaining to the management of HIV on campus.
· We highly recommend that the university commission a study, in line with the strictest ethical, methodological and epidemiological precepts, in order to assess the extent to which HIV infection is disseminated among both student and staff populations. In this regard, we recommend that the least invasive method of testing for HIV, i.e. the ‘spit test’, be employed in the context of a representative sample. In keeping with the antenatal surveys conducted nationally each October, the highest standards of anonymity must be maintained.
· We recommend that the university commits itself to routinely scanning, and implementing, developments in HIV policy-making, education, preventative strategies and treatment programmes, in order to encourage annual updates.
· We recommend that this policy includes a commitment from Rhodes University to support (both financially and otherwise) the work of Aids-related student groups, like SHARC (as is the case with the HIV policies of other South African universities)
· We recommend that this policy includes a commitment from Rhodes University, in terms of funding and human resources, to an annual HIV/Aids Awareness Week, with the associated HIV Testing Drive
posted by SHARC @ 7:26 AM
2 comments
Friday, August 26, 2005
Welcome!
Welcome to the SHARC blog! We hope that you will use this as a useful resource for some of the information you might need about HIV and AIDS and how to prevent infection. Based on the workshops we have been giving to students and schoolchildren over the past three years, we hope that we have included answers to many of the questions you may be unsure of. Please understand, however, that this blog is not intended to be an exhaustive library of HIV-related information; and for that reason we have included links which you may find useful to other relevant sites and resources.
This blog is intended primarily, though not exclusively, to be of use to students at Rhodes University. If you are a Rhodes student, we would like to strongly urge you to consider joining SHARC or one of the other human-rights groups on our campus: it can’t fail to massively enrich your varsity experience. In addition, though, it is simply morally unjustifiable at this time to sit back and pretend ignorance of the epidemic ravaging our town, our country and our continent. AIDS affects everyone.
We welcome feedback: if you have any comments, suggestions or questions, please let us know!
Take care of yourselves,
Rebecca and Lesley.
(SHARC presidents)
This blog is intended primarily, though not exclusively, to be of use to students at Rhodes University. If you are a Rhodes student, we would like to strongly urge you to consider joining SHARC or one of the other human-rights groups on our campus: it can’t fail to massively enrich your varsity experience. In addition, though, it is simply morally unjustifiable at this time to sit back and pretend ignorance of the epidemic ravaging our town, our country and our continent. AIDS affects everyone.
We welcome feedback: if you have any comments, suggestions or questions, please let us know!
Take care of yourselves,
Rebecca and Lesley.
(SHARC presidents)
posted by SHARC @ 6:35 AM
0 comments
About Awareness Week
HIV/Aids Awareness Week takes place on Rhodes campus from Monday, August 29th until Friday, September 2nd, and is an initiative of SHARC (Student HIV/Aids Resistance Campaign). We at SHARC feel that this week is a vital feature of the Rhodes calendar because it gives heightened visibility to the issue of HIV on campus: a problem which often receives insufficient attention. We strongly urge all staff and students to get involved with as many of the activities detailed below as possible. All funds raised during this week will go to the Jabez Health Centre in Joza: an AIDS clinic doing valuable work with almost no external funding.
The most important aspect of HIV/Aids Awareness Week this year is the HIV testing drive we will be running in the Union building, which allows for students and staff to get tested more quickly and conveniently than during the rest of the year. The value of this drive lies in the fact that it enables people who might ordinarily be too anxious or shy to come for an HIV test alone to become part of a mass action of sexual responsibility. For this reason, we encourage you to come to the Union building at any time from 8:40 till 5 during HIV/Aids Awareness Week, and get tested for HIV. The entire process – pre-test counselling, testing and post-test counselling – will take no more than 45 minutes; it is free, completely anonymous, and staffed by trained professionals from the San and the Counselling Centre. We are offering a free can of Red Bull to the first 50 people who arrive to be tested, as an added incentive for you to book early.
In addition to the events on the programme below, SHARC will be laying out a long red carpet running from the library steps, on which we would like students and staff to write their opinions and ideas on the topic of HIV on campus. This is a venture which proved very successful in 2004, and we have high hopes that it will work similarly well this year.
Finally, we ask that all staff and students wear red on Friday, September 2nd, to show their support for the issue of facing up to AIDS on campus; and that they join SHARC and Zackie Achmat on a march which will leave from the Cathedral at 13h30.
The most important aspect of HIV/Aids Awareness Week this year is the HIV testing drive we will be running in the Union building, which allows for students and staff to get tested more quickly and conveniently than during the rest of the year. The value of this drive lies in the fact that it enables people who might ordinarily be too anxious or shy to come for an HIV test alone to become part of a mass action of sexual responsibility. For this reason, we encourage you to come to the Union building at any time from 8:40 till 5 during HIV/Aids Awareness Week, and get tested for HIV. The entire process – pre-test counselling, testing and post-test counselling – will take no more than 45 minutes; it is free, completely anonymous, and staffed by trained professionals from the San and the Counselling Centre. We are offering a free can of Red Bull to the first 50 people who arrive to be tested, as an added incentive for you to book early.
In addition to the events on the programme below, SHARC will be laying out a long red carpet running from the library steps, on which we would like students and staff to write their opinions and ideas on the topic of HIV on campus. This is a venture which proved very successful in 2004, and we have high hopes that it will work similarly well this year.
Finally, we ask that all staff and students wear red on Friday, September 2nd, to show their support for the issue of facing up to AIDS on campus; and that they join SHARC and Zackie Achmat on a march which will leave from the Cathedral at 13h30.
posted by SHARC @ 6:18 AM
0 comments
We have found the solution to HIV/Aids: YOU
HIV/Aids is without doubt the most serious issue facing South Africa today: one which threatens to inflict immense damage on our country. Among many students, however, there is a sense of apathy and numbness towards the problem, together with a belief in their own immortality: the idea that HIV is a disease that happens only to other people – only to poor people, only to black people or only to gay people. The reality is that every single one of us is vulnerable to infection from HIV, regardless of race or sexual orientation. The rising infection rates among students where 1 in 4 students are HIV positive, means that now, more than ever, is the time for students to make responsible and informed sexual choices and to do whatever we can to help stop the spread of HIV and Aids.
Who we are…
SHARC (Student HIV/Aids Resistance Campaign) is a Rhodes University society that is working to stop the spread of HIV and to help those already infected and to destigmatise the disease. The philosophy of SHARC is not to fall into despair or a sense of hopelessness about HIV/Aids, but rather to take a positive, dynamic approach towards understanding how the disease will impact on our environment and to focus on what we, and you, can do together to fight it.
SHARC runs HIV awareness campaigns on the Rhodes campus throughout the year, making use of the various types of campus media: we broadcast advertisements and short features on Rhodes Music Radio, for instance, and create printed inserts to accompany the campus newspaper, Activate. We have developed a workshop programme which we have successfully implemented and run in Grahamstown schools and residences over the past few years, and we train students to be able to run their own workshops, focussing on HIV and STD education but including discussion of more general issues relating to sexuality and gender. We work closely with the wider Grahamstown community, too, with particularly close links to the Raphael Centre, a facility that caters for HIV-positive Grahamstown residents.
To find out more about what SHARC is up to and how you can help, come to our meetings in the Union building (1st floor) every Tuesday at 13:30 or alternately email us on sharc@webmail.co.za
Who we are…
SHARC (Student HIV/Aids Resistance Campaign) is a Rhodes University society that is working to stop the spread of HIV and to help those already infected and to destigmatise the disease. The philosophy of SHARC is not to fall into despair or a sense of hopelessness about HIV/Aids, but rather to take a positive, dynamic approach towards understanding how the disease will impact on our environment and to focus on what we, and you, can do together to fight it.
SHARC runs HIV awareness campaigns on the Rhodes campus throughout the year, making use of the various types of campus media: we broadcast advertisements and short features on Rhodes Music Radio, for instance, and create printed inserts to accompany the campus newspaper, Activate. We have developed a workshop programme which we have successfully implemented and run in Grahamstown schools and residences over the past few years, and we train students to be able to run their own workshops, focussing on HIV and STD education but including discussion of more general issues relating to sexuality and gender. We work closely with the wider Grahamstown community, too, with particularly close links to the Raphael Centre, a facility that caters for HIV-positive Grahamstown residents.
To find out more about what SHARC is up to and how you can help, come to our meetings in the Union building (1st floor) every Tuesday at 13:30 or alternately email us on sharc@webmail.co.za
posted by SHARC @ 6:16 AM
0 comments
Q & A: How much do you know?
What is HIV?
HIV stands for the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus. It is a virus which invades and eventually disables your body’s immune system, leaving you vulnerable to various infections and diseases. It is transmitted primarily through blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Once in the body, the virus uses the CD4 cells of the body’s immune system to replicate itself, and in the process destroys these cells. As the amount of HIV in the body increases, the number of CD4 cells decreases, weakening the immune system further.
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for the Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndome. AIDS is a cluster of symptoms caused by having HIV. This means that the body gets a collection of illnesses (not just one disease) when your immune system is too weak from HIV to protect your body. These illnesses are called “AIDS-related illnesses” or “opportunistic infections” because an immune system would be able to fight off the germs that cause them if it was not weak from HIV. Once a person’s immune system has deteriorated so much that he or she starts becoming ill with life-threatening illnesses, he or she is said to have AIDS.
How does a person contract HIV?
HIV can be contracted in the following ways:
· From unprotected sexual intercourse with a person who already has HIV. Unprotected sex means sex without a condom.
· From mother to child. A pregnant mother who is HIV positive can pass the virus on to her unborn child, either in the womb, during childbirth, or through breastfeeding.
· Direct contact with the blood of a person living with HIV. This can happen if you have a freshly open wound which comes into contact with the blood of a person with HIV.
· By sharing needles or syringes for injecting drugs with a person who is HIV positive.
How can I prevent HIV?
· Either abstain from sex; be faithful to one partner (you both must have an HIV test before you start having unprotected sex); or have protected sex with a condom or femidom, every time. This applies to oral sex too: oral sex is less risky than vaginal or anal sex, but if you or your partner have sores in the mouth or on the penis, vagina or anus, it is possible to get HIV through oral sex.
· Treat all sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have an STI, then you and your partner must both be treated as soon as possible. An STI can increase your risk of HIV infection as it allows the HIV to enter the body more easily.
· Know your HIV status. Having an HIV test will allow you to know whether you are HIV negative or HIV positive.
· Never share needles.
· Take precautions when handling blood. When helping someone who has been injured, always use latex gloves to prevent contact with the blood.
· Take precautions with personal items like toothbrushes and razor blades: there is a small risk that you can get HIV through sharing toothbrushes (if you both have cuts or sores in your mouths) and razors (HIV can be passed on through infected blood).
What are the most dangerous bodily fluids?
You can exchange body fluids through unprotected penetrative sex (penetration of the vagina or the anus) and unprotected oral sex (the use of the mouth on the penis, vagina or anus).
The following fluids may have very high levels of HIV in them, and your chances of getting infected with HIV if you come into contact with them are very high:
· Blood
· Semen
· Precum (any fluids secreted prior to ejaculation)
· Vaginal fluid
· Breastmilk
The levels of HIV in the following fluids are too low for you to be greatly at risk of infection from contact with them:
· Sweat
· Urine
· Saliva
· Mucus
· Tears
What can I do if I am raped?
· If you are a woman, spit on your hand as much as you can and put the spit inside your vagina: in rape situations your vagina is usually very dry, which can cause tears or cuts when a man forces himself inside you. The spit will do two things – it will act as a lubricant and it may also help to destroy the virus.
· Ensure that you report the rape to your local police.
· Insist on the ‘morning after’ pill (to start your period and prevent an unwanted pregnancy).
· Insist on AZT immediately. If you can, start the treatment within 6-24 hours of the rape. However, you can still get AZT up to 72 hours after the incident. Being raped does not mean you will definitely get HIV, but it is better to do whatever you can to prevent any possible HIV infection.
· Ensure that you get counselling as soon as possible. The quicker you deal with it, the better off you are going to be in the long run. Remember, you did nothing wrong.
Can I get HIV through kissing?
This is highly unlikely. You would have to drink about 5 litres of your partner’s spit in one short in order to become infected – that is, of course, if your partner is HIV positive.
Where does AIDS come from?
There are many ideas about the origin of HIV, but none have been proven as yet. We know that HIV/AIDS has been around for at least 40 years. Before the advent of jet travel, people stayed close to home and, therefore, the disease remained in small populations and didn’t spread. It’s only over the past twenty years that people have begun to travel all over the world, to and from the areas where AIDS was found (mostly Central Africa), taking the disease home and spreading it.
Why is there no cure yet?
HIV is a very clever virus, and is constantly mutating. Because of this, every time a new drug is introduced to treat the disease, the virus changes itself and the drugs are therefore no longer effective. Work is constantly going on to find a vaccine to stop people from becoming infected with HIV. Sadly, this vaccine is years away from completion. The only real cure we have now is responsible behaviour – in other words, by using a condom, you ensure that you don’t spread the virus.
Can I get HIV when I donate or receive blood?
You cannot get HIV when you donate blood provided you do so at a recognised Blood Transfusion Centre where new and sterilised needles are used. If you are receiving blood, the blood will have been tested several times for HIV antibodies before being released to the hospitals for transfusion.
Can I get infected from a mosquito?
No. Mosquitoes have different body temperatures to humans. Because the virus cannot live for long outside the human body and because there is so little blood being transmitted, the virus quickly dies off.
Can the virus be spread through casual contact?
‘Casual contact’ is the term for touching, kissing, sharing plates, glasses, food etc. The virus has to have human body temperature to survive, as it cannot live very long outside the human body. Contracting HIV through casual contact is, therefore, extremely unlikely.
Will the birth control pill stop me from getting HIV?
Absolutely not. It prevents pregnancy, but doesn’t prevent you from being infected by HIV. Condoms are the only known prevention.
Can lesbians get HIV?
Yes, but only through the use of unsterilised sex toys or needles.
Can animals get HIV?
No: HIV is a human virus that required human blood to survive. A similar virus is found in certain animals like monkeys and cats, but this is not HIV.
Can I get HIV when I masturbate?
No, you cannot infect yourself. It always takes two people having unprotected sex to spread the virus. Even masturbating your partner will not expose you to the virus.
Can I get HIV through oral sex?
There is a possibility, but it is considered low risk. If you have a cut, a sore, or an open wound in your mouth and you partner is HIV+, then the cut or sore may provide a pathway for the virus to enter your blood stream. Don’t take that risk: rather use a condom (for male sex) or a dental dam (for female oral sex).
If I insert my finger into my partner’s body and I have a cut, will I become infected?
It is a low risk, but is a risk nonetheless. So rather put a condom on your finger to ensure that there is no risk of becoming infected.
Why are women at higher risk for HIV?
The inside of a woman’s vagina is a natural incubator for HIV and is a much larger area than a man’s penis. Therefore, the risk of infection for a woman is much higher than for a man. Also, women have been denied sexual rights in many cultures in our country. Many women are therefore disempowered and this is why they are afraid to make their partners wear condoms and practise safer sex.
Can two infected people have unprotected sex?
No, because there is the probability of re-infection or cross-infection. In other words, there are many sub-strains of the virus and you can pass these to each other and worsen each other’s health. An HIV+ person can become reinfected with a different drug-resistant strain of HIV if he/she does not practise protected sex.
How long can I live with the disease?
Length of life depends a lot on fitness, when you become infected and how you look after yourself during infection. Many people live 17-20 years or longer.
Will all HIV+ people develop full-blown AIDS?
NO. Between 5-7% of all HIV-infected people will lead perfectly normal lives and will not die from HIV infection.
Is it safe to have sex when I am menstruating?
Some cultures disapprove of sex during menstruation. However, from a medical point of view there is no problem with that: provided you use a condom it is perfectly safe.
HIV is transmitted by vaginal fluid: is it safe to have dry sex?
No, this is not safe. Dry sex means having sex while the woman does not produce enough vaginal fluids. This means that the woman is not aroused and has little chance of enjoying the sex. Her vaginal membrane can easily be injured and get small tears. This makes it most likely that she can be infected with HIV.
Is it true that having sex with a young girl or a virgin can cure HIV?
Absolutely not. There are currently no cures for HIV. This is a particularly harmful and violent myth, which has absolutely no basis in reality.
If I find out that an HIV+ person is having unprotected sex, should I tell the police or the people who are having sex with him or her?
No. Everyone has the right to confidentiality. In addition, unless s/he has told you that s/he is HIV+, you cannot assume that s/he is. Lastly, everyone must take individual responsibility for the choices they make, and this includes having sex. What you can do is talk to the person who is infected and try to convince them to use condoms and to tell the people with whom they are having sex. You can also talk to the people you know about using condoms and the risk of HIV infection.
Why does South Africa have such a severe HIV epidemic?
This is a very complex and difficult question. If you are interested, you can read up on this topic in Edwin Cameron’s Witness to AIDS (2005), which considers the problem in some detail. Factors driving the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa include stigma and discrimination; migratory patterns; gender inequality; violence against women and children; and poverty and poor healthcare.
HIV stands for the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus. It is a virus which invades and eventually disables your body’s immune system, leaving you vulnerable to various infections and diseases. It is transmitted primarily through blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Once in the body, the virus uses the CD4 cells of the body’s immune system to replicate itself, and in the process destroys these cells. As the amount of HIV in the body increases, the number of CD4 cells decreases, weakening the immune system further.
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for the Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndome. AIDS is a cluster of symptoms caused by having HIV. This means that the body gets a collection of illnesses (not just one disease) when your immune system is too weak from HIV to protect your body. These illnesses are called “AIDS-related illnesses” or “opportunistic infections” because an immune system would be able to fight off the germs that cause them if it was not weak from HIV. Once a person’s immune system has deteriorated so much that he or she starts becoming ill with life-threatening illnesses, he or she is said to have AIDS.
How does a person contract HIV?
HIV can be contracted in the following ways:
· From unprotected sexual intercourse with a person who already has HIV. Unprotected sex means sex without a condom.
· From mother to child. A pregnant mother who is HIV positive can pass the virus on to her unborn child, either in the womb, during childbirth, or through breastfeeding.
· Direct contact with the blood of a person living with HIV. This can happen if you have a freshly open wound which comes into contact with the blood of a person with HIV.
· By sharing needles or syringes for injecting drugs with a person who is HIV positive.
How can I prevent HIV?
· Either abstain from sex; be faithful to one partner (you both must have an HIV test before you start having unprotected sex); or have protected sex with a condom or femidom, every time. This applies to oral sex too: oral sex is less risky than vaginal or anal sex, but if you or your partner have sores in the mouth or on the penis, vagina or anus, it is possible to get HIV through oral sex.
· Treat all sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have an STI, then you and your partner must both be treated as soon as possible. An STI can increase your risk of HIV infection as it allows the HIV to enter the body more easily.
· Know your HIV status. Having an HIV test will allow you to know whether you are HIV negative or HIV positive.
· Never share needles.
· Take precautions when handling blood. When helping someone who has been injured, always use latex gloves to prevent contact with the blood.
· Take precautions with personal items like toothbrushes and razor blades: there is a small risk that you can get HIV through sharing toothbrushes (if you both have cuts or sores in your mouths) and razors (HIV can be passed on through infected blood).
What are the most dangerous bodily fluids?
You can exchange body fluids through unprotected penetrative sex (penetration of the vagina or the anus) and unprotected oral sex (the use of the mouth on the penis, vagina or anus).
The following fluids may have very high levels of HIV in them, and your chances of getting infected with HIV if you come into contact with them are very high:
· Blood
· Semen
· Precum (any fluids secreted prior to ejaculation)
· Vaginal fluid
· Breastmilk
The levels of HIV in the following fluids are too low for you to be greatly at risk of infection from contact with them:
· Sweat
· Urine
· Saliva
· Mucus
· Tears
What can I do if I am raped?
· If you are a woman, spit on your hand as much as you can and put the spit inside your vagina: in rape situations your vagina is usually very dry, which can cause tears or cuts when a man forces himself inside you. The spit will do two things – it will act as a lubricant and it may also help to destroy the virus.
· Ensure that you report the rape to your local police.
· Insist on the ‘morning after’ pill (to start your period and prevent an unwanted pregnancy).
· Insist on AZT immediately. If you can, start the treatment within 6-24 hours of the rape. However, you can still get AZT up to 72 hours after the incident. Being raped does not mean you will definitely get HIV, but it is better to do whatever you can to prevent any possible HIV infection.
· Ensure that you get counselling as soon as possible. The quicker you deal with it, the better off you are going to be in the long run. Remember, you did nothing wrong.
Can I get HIV through kissing?
This is highly unlikely. You would have to drink about 5 litres of your partner’s spit in one short in order to become infected – that is, of course, if your partner is HIV positive.
Where does AIDS come from?
There are many ideas about the origin of HIV, but none have been proven as yet. We know that HIV/AIDS has been around for at least 40 years. Before the advent of jet travel, people stayed close to home and, therefore, the disease remained in small populations and didn’t spread. It’s only over the past twenty years that people have begun to travel all over the world, to and from the areas where AIDS was found (mostly Central Africa), taking the disease home and spreading it.
Why is there no cure yet?
HIV is a very clever virus, and is constantly mutating. Because of this, every time a new drug is introduced to treat the disease, the virus changes itself and the drugs are therefore no longer effective. Work is constantly going on to find a vaccine to stop people from becoming infected with HIV. Sadly, this vaccine is years away from completion. The only real cure we have now is responsible behaviour – in other words, by using a condom, you ensure that you don’t spread the virus.
Can I get HIV when I donate or receive blood?
You cannot get HIV when you donate blood provided you do so at a recognised Blood Transfusion Centre where new and sterilised needles are used. If you are receiving blood, the blood will have been tested several times for HIV antibodies before being released to the hospitals for transfusion.
Can I get infected from a mosquito?
No. Mosquitoes have different body temperatures to humans. Because the virus cannot live for long outside the human body and because there is so little blood being transmitted, the virus quickly dies off.
Can the virus be spread through casual contact?
‘Casual contact’ is the term for touching, kissing, sharing plates, glasses, food etc. The virus has to have human body temperature to survive, as it cannot live very long outside the human body. Contracting HIV through casual contact is, therefore, extremely unlikely.
Will the birth control pill stop me from getting HIV?
Absolutely not. It prevents pregnancy, but doesn’t prevent you from being infected by HIV. Condoms are the only known prevention.
Can lesbians get HIV?
Yes, but only through the use of unsterilised sex toys or needles.
Can animals get HIV?
No: HIV is a human virus that required human blood to survive. A similar virus is found in certain animals like monkeys and cats, but this is not HIV.
Can I get HIV when I masturbate?
No, you cannot infect yourself. It always takes two people having unprotected sex to spread the virus. Even masturbating your partner will not expose you to the virus.
Can I get HIV through oral sex?
There is a possibility, but it is considered low risk. If you have a cut, a sore, or an open wound in your mouth and you partner is HIV+, then the cut or sore may provide a pathway for the virus to enter your blood stream. Don’t take that risk: rather use a condom (for male sex) or a dental dam (for female oral sex).
If I insert my finger into my partner’s body and I have a cut, will I become infected?
It is a low risk, but is a risk nonetheless. So rather put a condom on your finger to ensure that there is no risk of becoming infected.
Why are women at higher risk for HIV?
The inside of a woman’s vagina is a natural incubator for HIV and is a much larger area than a man’s penis. Therefore, the risk of infection for a woman is much higher than for a man. Also, women have been denied sexual rights in many cultures in our country. Many women are therefore disempowered and this is why they are afraid to make their partners wear condoms and practise safer sex.
Can two infected people have unprotected sex?
No, because there is the probability of re-infection or cross-infection. In other words, there are many sub-strains of the virus and you can pass these to each other and worsen each other’s health. An HIV+ person can become reinfected with a different drug-resistant strain of HIV if he/she does not practise protected sex.
How long can I live with the disease?
Length of life depends a lot on fitness, when you become infected and how you look after yourself during infection. Many people live 17-20 years or longer.
Will all HIV+ people develop full-blown AIDS?
NO. Between 5-7% of all HIV-infected people will lead perfectly normal lives and will not die from HIV infection.
Is it safe to have sex when I am menstruating?
Some cultures disapprove of sex during menstruation. However, from a medical point of view there is no problem with that: provided you use a condom it is perfectly safe.
HIV is transmitted by vaginal fluid: is it safe to have dry sex?
No, this is not safe. Dry sex means having sex while the woman does not produce enough vaginal fluids. This means that the woman is not aroused and has little chance of enjoying the sex. Her vaginal membrane can easily be injured and get small tears. This makes it most likely that she can be infected with HIV.
Is it true that having sex with a young girl or a virgin can cure HIV?
Absolutely not. There are currently no cures for HIV. This is a particularly harmful and violent myth, which has absolutely no basis in reality.
If I find out that an HIV+ person is having unprotected sex, should I tell the police or the people who are having sex with him or her?
No. Everyone has the right to confidentiality. In addition, unless s/he has told you that s/he is HIV+, you cannot assume that s/he is. Lastly, everyone must take individual responsibility for the choices they make, and this includes having sex. What you can do is talk to the person who is infected and try to convince them to use condoms and to tell the people with whom they are having sex. You can also talk to the people you know about using condoms and the risk of HIV infection.
Why does South Africa have such a severe HIV epidemic?
This is a very complex and difficult question. If you are interested, you can read up on this topic in Edwin Cameron’s Witness to AIDS (2005), which considers the problem in some detail. Factors driving the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa include stigma and discrimination; migratory patterns; gender inequality; violence against women and children; and poverty and poor healthcare.
posted by SHARC @ 6:10 AM
1 comments
Know your rights: HIV and the law
The South African constitution specifically states that there should be no discrimination against a person because of their HIV status.
People with HIV and Aids have the same rights as anyone else. Some important ones are:
The right to medical care. Everyone must be treated for their illnesses, whether they have HIV or not.
The right to attend any school, university or place of learning.
No one can demand you have an HIV test. You are the only person who can choose to have an HIV test.
No one can fire you or refuse you a job just because you have HIV. You can still work when you have HIV.
A woman cannot be forced to terminate her pregnancy because she HIV positive. Only she can choose to take the risk of her baby being born with HIV.
There is a right to confidentiality. No one can give out information on your HIV status without your permission.
If I am HIV + , am I responsible for telling my partner my status?
Yes, in terms of a personal sexual code of ethics (personal trust and respect).
What can I do as far as the law and my rights are concerned, if somebody infects me?
You can claim for damages (compensation) by filing a civil case. However, the attorney would have to be able to prove that the person deliberately infected you while having full knowledge of HIV infection and its consequences.
What can I do if someone discloses my test results?
First, directly question the person to ascertain how far the disclosure has gone, so that you can assess the damage control to be done. You can sue (make claim for compensation) the person(s) through the Aids Legal Network (Tel: 0333 – 42 1197).
If I find out that an HIV + person is having unprotected sex, should I tell the police of the people who are having sex with him/her?
No. Just as you have a right to confidentiality, so does everyone else. Everyone must take responsibility for the choices they make and this includes having sex and the risk of HIV infection, where condoms are not used. What you can do is talk to the person who is infected and try to convince them to use condoms and to tell the people with whom they are having sex.
People with HIV and Aids have the same rights as anyone else. Some important ones are:
The right to medical care. Everyone must be treated for their illnesses, whether they have HIV or not.
The right to attend any school, university or place of learning.
No one can demand you have an HIV test. You are the only person who can choose to have an HIV test.
No one can fire you or refuse you a job just because you have HIV. You can still work when you have HIV.
A woman cannot be forced to terminate her pregnancy because she HIV positive. Only she can choose to take the risk of her baby being born with HIV.
There is a right to confidentiality. No one can give out information on your HIV status without your permission.
If I am HIV + , am I responsible for telling my partner my status?
Yes, in terms of a personal sexual code of ethics (personal trust and respect).
What can I do as far as the law and my rights are concerned, if somebody infects me?
You can claim for damages (compensation) by filing a civil case. However, the attorney would have to be able to prove that the person deliberately infected you while having full knowledge of HIV infection and its consequences.
What can I do if someone discloses my test results?
First, directly question the person to ascertain how far the disclosure has gone, so that you can assess the damage control to be done. You can sue (make claim for compensation) the person(s) through the Aids Legal Network (Tel: 0333 – 42 1197).
If I find out that an HIV + person is having unprotected sex, should I tell the police of the people who are having sex with him/her?
No. Just as you have a right to confidentiality, so does everyone else. Everyone must take responsibility for the choices they make and this includes having sex and the risk of HIV infection, where condoms are not used. What you can do is talk to the person who is infected and try to convince them to use condoms and to tell the people with whom they are having sex.
posted by SHARC @ 6:09 AM
0 comments
So you think you know how to use a condom?
Read on to check you know all you should about your little latex buddies.
Check your condom for an SABS stamp of approval. Only the Department of Health condoms that say “Not For Sale” on them are allowed not to carry the stamp on each condom. All other condoms must have an SABS stamp to be reliable.
Check the expiry date! You might survive eating dining-hall food that’s past its sell-by-date, but you can’t use an expired condom. The consequences could be far worse.
If one condom is safe, then two must be safer – WRONG! Never use two condoms at the same time. The friction between the two will cause one or both to break.
Put the condom on only when the penis is erect, but make sure it’s before any exchange of bodily fluids.
Careful when you open it - don’t tear the packet with your teeth! This might tear the latex.
Squeeze the top of the condom so no air gets caught in it when it goes on the penis. If air is caught, it’ll pop.
Make sure the condom stays on during sex!
Try KY Jelly, saliva or plain yoghurt (believe it or not) for lubrication. Don’t use oil-based products like Vaseline or baby oil. The oil weakens the latex of the condom and will cause it to break.
After ejaculation, take the condom off the penis while it is still erect. If you wait till the penis is flaccid, the semen will leak out of the condom.
Only use a condom for one ejaculation!
When you’re done, tie a knot in the condom, wrap it in some paper and throw it in the bin. Don’t throw it in the toilet: rubber floats and has a nasty way of coming back to haunt you…
Where can I get condoms at Rhodes?
If you’ve spent all your money on drinks at the Rat and late-night stops to BP, the good news is that condoms are available for free all over campus. You can pick them up at the San, in the library toilets, and otherwise ask your House Comm: they should keep some prominently displayed in your res.
And something for the ladies…
The Femidom, or female condom, is available for free at the San. They may be inserted up to eight hours before sex and will protect you from infection with HIV.
Check your condom for an SABS stamp of approval. Only the Department of Health condoms that say “Not For Sale” on them are allowed not to carry the stamp on each condom. All other condoms must have an SABS stamp to be reliable.
Check the expiry date! You might survive eating dining-hall food that’s past its sell-by-date, but you can’t use an expired condom. The consequences could be far worse.
If one condom is safe, then two must be safer – WRONG! Never use two condoms at the same time. The friction between the two will cause one or both to break.
Put the condom on only when the penis is erect, but make sure it’s before any exchange of bodily fluids.
Careful when you open it - don’t tear the packet with your teeth! This might tear the latex.
Squeeze the top of the condom so no air gets caught in it when it goes on the penis. If air is caught, it’ll pop.
Make sure the condom stays on during sex!
Try KY Jelly, saliva or plain yoghurt (believe it or not) for lubrication. Don’t use oil-based products like Vaseline or baby oil. The oil weakens the latex of the condom and will cause it to break.
After ejaculation, take the condom off the penis while it is still erect. If you wait till the penis is flaccid, the semen will leak out of the condom.
Only use a condom for one ejaculation!
When you’re done, tie a knot in the condom, wrap it in some paper and throw it in the bin. Don’t throw it in the toilet: rubber floats and has a nasty way of coming back to haunt you…
Where can I get condoms at Rhodes?
If you’ve spent all your money on drinks at the Rat and late-night stops to BP, the good news is that condoms are available for free all over campus. You can pick them up at the San, in the library toilets, and otherwise ask your House Comm: they should keep some prominently displayed in your res.
And something for the ladies…
The Femidom, or female condom, is available for free at the San. They may be inserted up to eight hours before sex and will protect you from infection with HIV.
posted by SHARC @ 6:08 AM
0 comments
Condom Distribution
SHARC’s goals include the promotion of safe sex and raising awareness regarding the life saving potential of condom usage. In keeping with this goal, we have ensured that all residences and library bathrooms have a supply of free condoms. However, the bars in town do not yet have condom dispensing facilities. SHARC thus has regular condom distribution drives – handing out condoms in all the local bars and clubs. Hints regarding condom usage and safe sex, as well as an HIV/AIDS helpline number are also handed out to ensure students are using condoms correctly and responsibly. Our hope is that such distribution drives will assist in the de-stigmatization of condom usage. Our aim is not to promote, or encourage, sexual promiscuity, but merely to ensure that those students who are having sex are having safe sex.
To round off our highly successful awareness raising campaign in orientation week, we mounted a mass condom distribution drive. SHARC members colourfully dressed up in red capes were to be seen at every party and bar handing out free condoms, encouraging students to be responsible and have safe sex. The response to this campaign was positive on the whole. If nothing else, we have attempted to ensure that all students are familiar with condoms, know where to obtain free condoms, how to put on condoms (thanks to our HIV/AIDS awareness workshops) and lastly are aware that a society devoted to curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS exists on campus.
To round off our highly successful awareness raising campaign in orientation week, we mounted a mass condom distribution drive. SHARC members colourfully dressed up in red capes were to be seen at every party and bar handing out free condoms, encouraging students to be responsible and have safe sex. The response to this campaign was positive on the whole. If nothing else, we have attempted to ensure that all students are familiar with condoms, know where to obtain free condoms, how to put on condoms (thanks to our HIV/AIDS awareness workshops) and lastly are aware that a society devoted to curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS exists on campus.
posted by SHARC @ 6:08 AM
0 comments
Facts & Figures
60 996 442 people are infected with HIV worldwide.
That’s sixty million, nine hundred and ninety-six thousand, four hundred and forty-two people.
The number of HIV-positive people in Sub-Saharan Africa is over 30 000 000.
Six and a half million South Africans are HIV-positive.
10% of all HIV infections in the world occur in South Africa.
6000 people die of AIDS in Africa every day.
14 000 people get infected with HIV worldwide every day.
50% of all HIV-infected people are between 15 and 24 years old.
If the current infection rates are maintained, 68% of 19-year old South Africans will contract the virus.
It is estimated that 1 in 4 students in South Africa are HIV positive.
That’s sixty million, nine hundred and ninety-six thousand, four hundred and forty-two people.
The number of HIV-positive people in Sub-Saharan Africa is over 30 000 000.
Six and a half million South Africans are HIV-positive.
10% of all HIV infections in the world occur in South Africa.
6000 people die of AIDS in Africa every day.
14 000 people get infected with HIV worldwide every day.
50% of all HIV-infected people are between 15 and 24 years old.
If the current infection rates are maintained, 68% of 19-year old South Africans will contract the virus.
It is estimated that 1 in 4 students in South Africa are HIV positive.
posted by SHARC @ 6:07 AM
0 comments
Personal Testimony
We always hear that 1 in 4 South African students are HIV positive and yet for most it is something that is happening out there, removed from our existence. One HIV positive student shares their story
Having sex without a condom doesn’t seem like such a bad idea after too many tequilas and a hot man’s hand up your skirt. At least it doesn’t at the time; not until you find out that your guidance teacher wasn’t lying when she said that HIV doesn’t discriminate, regardless of your daddy’s bank account and how white and clever you are.
It is a legal requirement that one goes for at least one 20-minute pre-counselling session before you take the test.
I had booked my appointment a week ago. At the time, I felt this action, contemplating my status while the rest ordered drunken stupor in a glass- was a sign of maturity. I was taking responsibility for my life: I know my status. Do you?
The man who could change my life (not his, MINE) with eight words, sits on his couch across the room from me. He has done this many times before, but me, I’m frightened. Petrified of what he is saying.
“If worst comes to worst, there is treatment available that can ensure that you live a long and prosperous life. And great emotional support available too.”
I’m not really listening. The books on the shelf could be the A-Z of human sadness. What’s he on about? Worst won’t come to worst. Just sign the form, damn it! I was on the SRC, you know. I have an average of 85, you know. My parents own five cars and three businesses, you know. Get on with it!
But I’m shitting myself. My head is floating in a web of half-time pep talks I’d given myself to calm the nerves. Seriously, how do you answer the question, “What will you do if you are positive?”
The waiting room is silent. Sombreness circulates, as if pain is emerging from the air conditioning. The needle is hard and shiny. Attractive. Unnerving. There are posters on the wall: “Symptoms shown in adults during the final stages of infection.” You can taste the blood around their mouths, the cracking skin as they try to smile, the pain as ulcers form. The nurse pretends that nothing gets to her. But she doesn’t look anyone in the eye, doesn’t say more than what needs to be said. The rubber-gloved hand takes my youthful arm. There is no human touch. The gloves swallow it while protecting the nurse. Funny that— of course there’s protection available to stop worst coming to worst.
A week later I take the same path to that spacious office. The pot plants look nervous. The books have shifted slightly to make space for me. He seems uncomfortable, as if he were in that seat for the first time. Silence. I smile. A smile disguising a thousand thoughts. “Sit down.”
Time is in slow motion. Done that way especially so that I will remember this moment forever. I notice that he has a twitch in his eye. He blinks spasmodically between words. A puppy choking on his food. He does not know how to get this hairball out of his throat.
“How are you?” he asks.
As well as anyone who has waited seven days for her results. As well as anyone who has tried to imagine the worst coming to the worst, but never quite got there due to fear. As well as anyone who believes that their body is exempt from the laws of chemistry, but knows that it is not.
“I’m fine, thanks.”
The plants looks away. He is looking straight past me at a “Determination is the key” poster.
“Um…” Somebody stop him before he starts. My fingers are hot and sweaty. There is too much blood in them. My bum is burning on the edge of the seat. I am aware of my heartbeat. Stop him. Stop this. Take me away. I want out!
“I have some bad news for you...”
My pulse is doing the100-metre sprints. His voice is diffusing elegantly past the plants and into the great outdoors. I look up. The blinking has subsided. The hairball is out. The hot coal has been passed on, and now it is mine to throw around for a while.
I freeze, step out of my body and leave the room. Someone else can deal with all of this. None of those pamphlets, posters and flyers really answer this one. What to do when worst comes to worst? I thought about the week before, when I had sat in this same couch. My life was different seven days ago; it was different seven seconds ago. What had he said during pre-counselling? What had he said during the 20 minutes that was supposed to prepare me for this blow?
I am 18 years and 3 days old, I keep thinking. 18 and 3 days old.
I feel dizzy. Drunk.
An anvil ties itself to something inside my chest. Heavy weight pulling from a thin string. Oppressing my lungs. Oh fuck.
“Do you have medical aid? Do you have a doctor in town? Can you afford private counselling?” The blinking has gone out of control. I want to hurt him. This room has run out of space. I’m on the bookshelf already.
The author writes now:
I wasn’t having sex with everyone, just the wrong one. I wasn’t being a slut. It’s really just a matter of having sex with the wrong person.
I never expected that when I went for post-counselling that I would be told that ‘I had some bad news waiting for me.’
You block something like that day out. Your brain discards it so that you never have to feel it again. I went to a lecture straight after finding out. For three months I ignored the situation. I carried on with my life and even got firsts in my exams. I didn’t tell my doctor or consult a psychologist. I told my high-school best friend and someone in res I barely knew. I turned to the bottle – not in the alcoholic sense, but like every other hot-blooded first year, I partied hard. I was in denial and it was great.
One trip home was all I needed to change this. I couldn’t look my parents in the eye. How did I manage to fuck up so badly?
The problem with HIV is that if you’re positive, it seems it’s because you’re a bad person, a whore, a slut who deserved it. But the truth is, if every person I know who’s had sex without a condom contracted HIV, we’d be sitting with a lot worse than the already sickening epidemic we face.
I hated myself, especially my body, especially the sight of my own blood. I had to tell my parents. I cried non-stop in the days leading up to my revelation. I puked my guts out – that was fear and not the illness speaking. I couldn’t go on like this. Every moment felt so unbelievably bad that I thought I might as well just tell them. Maybe they could help. At that stage, anything was worth a try.
So I did. I can honestly say that it was by far the most difficult moment of my life. In a way it is quite comforting to know that I have experienced my lowest point already and that it is over. I survived. I can move on now.
At some point I made a commitment to myself to not let this get the better of me. I refuse to settle for second best just because I was chosen by this disease.
It’s difficult and there’s no denying that. It’s an epidemic and yet I feel so alone. I hear guys singing drinking songs about how someone has Aids and I want to bash their faces in. Kill them. There have been times when I think it would easier to just give up and die, but that is only on very bad days.
I am one of the lucky. I’m about as healthy as you. My immune system somehow keeps itself in check. I don’t need any medication and often I don’t even take my vitamins. I drink just as much as the average student and I’m perpetually trying to quit smoking. I don’t see my life as something that I need to fill because it won’t be as long as the next. I’m just another student trying to get a degree and have fun along the way. I have great friends who support me and never pity me or let me pity myself. I have ambition. I want certain things from life and believe that I owe it to myself to make them happen.
When I like a guy to the point where I want a relationship, I’ll tell them what’s going on. And yes, it’s scary. Nothing like a bit of emotional baggage to make a man run faster than the speed of light. But at least then I know from the start whether he’s really worth my effort – because honestly, no man can really be with me without accepting this reality.
Some actually stick around. I have been showed that I am worth being loved, and I will never settle for anything less just because I am HIV positive. At times it is difficult, but we make the best of the situation and have a great time, just like any other two people in love.
I am sorry that I have complicated my life so much, but I don’t really remember what it was like before. I have come a long way. There were times when I thought I would never be happy again; that I would hate my life forever. But I am glad that I got tested because if I hadn’t, I could have infected somebody else. You realise that it’s a whole lot easier wearing a condom than dealing with all this shit.
I am glad because the sooner you know, the sooner you can get your life back on track no matter how hard it seems.
It is difficult to accept being HIV-positive. For a long time it was the only thought that went through my head. But I feel okay. We all have problems, mine just come in a defined box called “HIV”. Sometimes I hate the world for doing this to me, but I have grown immensely because of it. The pamphlets say that life goes on once you have found out that you are positive. They’re not lying. I will keep fighting the part of me that sometimes wants to give up. Because a life is worth having if you can make yourself happy. But I still wish I’d worn that condom.
Having sex without a condom doesn’t seem like such a bad idea after too many tequilas and a hot man’s hand up your skirt. At least it doesn’t at the time; not until you find out that your guidance teacher wasn’t lying when she said that HIV doesn’t discriminate, regardless of your daddy’s bank account and how white and clever you are.
It is a legal requirement that one goes for at least one 20-minute pre-counselling session before you take the test.
I had booked my appointment a week ago. At the time, I felt this action, contemplating my status while the rest ordered drunken stupor in a glass- was a sign of maturity. I was taking responsibility for my life: I know my status. Do you?
The man who could change my life (not his, MINE) with eight words, sits on his couch across the room from me. He has done this many times before, but me, I’m frightened. Petrified of what he is saying.
“If worst comes to worst, there is treatment available that can ensure that you live a long and prosperous life. And great emotional support available too.”
I’m not really listening. The books on the shelf could be the A-Z of human sadness. What’s he on about? Worst won’t come to worst. Just sign the form, damn it! I was on the SRC, you know. I have an average of 85, you know. My parents own five cars and three businesses, you know. Get on with it!
But I’m shitting myself. My head is floating in a web of half-time pep talks I’d given myself to calm the nerves. Seriously, how do you answer the question, “What will you do if you are positive?”
The waiting room is silent. Sombreness circulates, as if pain is emerging from the air conditioning. The needle is hard and shiny. Attractive. Unnerving. There are posters on the wall: “Symptoms shown in adults during the final stages of infection.” You can taste the blood around their mouths, the cracking skin as they try to smile, the pain as ulcers form. The nurse pretends that nothing gets to her. But she doesn’t look anyone in the eye, doesn’t say more than what needs to be said. The rubber-gloved hand takes my youthful arm. There is no human touch. The gloves swallow it while protecting the nurse. Funny that— of course there’s protection available to stop worst coming to worst.
A week later I take the same path to that spacious office. The pot plants look nervous. The books have shifted slightly to make space for me. He seems uncomfortable, as if he were in that seat for the first time. Silence. I smile. A smile disguising a thousand thoughts. “Sit down.”
Time is in slow motion. Done that way especially so that I will remember this moment forever. I notice that he has a twitch in his eye. He blinks spasmodically between words. A puppy choking on his food. He does not know how to get this hairball out of his throat.
“How are you?” he asks.
As well as anyone who has waited seven days for her results. As well as anyone who has tried to imagine the worst coming to the worst, but never quite got there due to fear. As well as anyone who believes that their body is exempt from the laws of chemistry, but knows that it is not.
“I’m fine, thanks.”
The plants looks away. He is looking straight past me at a “Determination is the key” poster.
“Um…” Somebody stop him before he starts. My fingers are hot and sweaty. There is too much blood in them. My bum is burning on the edge of the seat. I am aware of my heartbeat. Stop him. Stop this. Take me away. I want out!
“I have some bad news for you...”
My pulse is doing the100-metre sprints. His voice is diffusing elegantly past the plants and into the great outdoors. I look up. The blinking has subsided. The hairball is out. The hot coal has been passed on, and now it is mine to throw around for a while.
I freeze, step out of my body and leave the room. Someone else can deal with all of this. None of those pamphlets, posters and flyers really answer this one. What to do when worst comes to worst? I thought about the week before, when I had sat in this same couch. My life was different seven days ago; it was different seven seconds ago. What had he said during pre-counselling? What had he said during the 20 minutes that was supposed to prepare me for this blow?
I am 18 years and 3 days old, I keep thinking. 18 and 3 days old.
I feel dizzy. Drunk.
An anvil ties itself to something inside my chest. Heavy weight pulling from a thin string. Oppressing my lungs. Oh fuck.
“Do you have medical aid? Do you have a doctor in town? Can you afford private counselling?” The blinking has gone out of control. I want to hurt him. This room has run out of space. I’m on the bookshelf already.
The author writes now:
I wasn’t having sex with everyone, just the wrong one. I wasn’t being a slut. It’s really just a matter of having sex with the wrong person.
I never expected that when I went for post-counselling that I would be told that ‘I had some bad news waiting for me.’
You block something like that day out. Your brain discards it so that you never have to feel it again. I went to a lecture straight after finding out. For three months I ignored the situation. I carried on with my life and even got firsts in my exams. I didn’t tell my doctor or consult a psychologist. I told my high-school best friend and someone in res I barely knew. I turned to the bottle – not in the alcoholic sense, but like every other hot-blooded first year, I partied hard. I was in denial and it was great.
One trip home was all I needed to change this. I couldn’t look my parents in the eye. How did I manage to fuck up so badly?
The problem with HIV is that if you’re positive, it seems it’s because you’re a bad person, a whore, a slut who deserved it. But the truth is, if every person I know who’s had sex without a condom contracted HIV, we’d be sitting with a lot worse than the already sickening epidemic we face.
I hated myself, especially my body, especially the sight of my own blood. I had to tell my parents. I cried non-stop in the days leading up to my revelation. I puked my guts out – that was fear and not the illness speaking. I couldn’t go on like this. Every moment felt so unbelievably bad that I thought I might as well just tell them. Maybe they could help. At that stage, anything was worth a try.
So I did. I can honestly say that it was by far the most difficult moment of my life. In a way it is quite comforting to know that I have experienced my lowest point already and that it is over. I survived. I can move on now.
At some point I made a commitment to myself to not let this get the better of me. I refuse to settle for second best just because I was chosen by this disease.
It’s difficult and there’s no denying that. It’s an epidemic and yet I feel so alone. I hear guys singing drinking songs about how someone has Aids and I want to bash their faces in. Kill them. There have been times when I think it would easier to just give up and die, but that is only on very bad days.
I am one of the lucky. I’m about as healthy as you. My immune system somehow keeps itself in check. I don’t need any medication and often I don’t even take my vitamins. I drink just as much as the average student and I’m perpetually trying to quit smoking. I don’t see my life as something that I need to fill because it won’t be as long as the next. I’m just another student trying to get a degree and have fun along the way. I have great friends who support me and never pity me or let me pity myself. I have ambition. I want certain things from life and believe that I owe it to myself to make them happen.
When I like a guy to the point where I want a relationship, I’ll tell them what’s going on. And yes, it’s scary. Nothing like a bit of emotional baggage to make a man run faster than the speed of light. But at least then I know from the start whether he’s really worth my effort – because honestly, no man can really be with me without accepting this reality.
Some actually stick around. I have been showed that I am worth being loved, and I will never settle for anything less just because I am HIV positive. At times it is difficult, but we make the best of the situation and have a great time, just like any other two people in love.
I am sorry that I have complicated my life so much, but I don’t really remember what it was like before. I have come a long way. There were times when I thought I would never be happy again; that I would hate my life forever. But I am glad that I got tested because if I hadn’t, I could have infected somebody else. You realise that it’s a whole lot easier wearing a condom than dealing with all this shit.
I am glad because the sooner you know, the sooner you can get your life back on track no matter how hard it seems.
It is difficult to accept being HIV-positive. For a long time it was the only thought that went through my head. But I feel okay. We all have problems, mine just come in a defined box called “HIV”. Sometimes I hate the world for doing this to me, but I have grown immensely because of it. The pamphlets say that life goes on once you have found out that you are positive. They’re not lying. I will keep fighting the part of me that sometimes wants to give up. Because a life is worth having if you can make yourself happy. But I still wish I’d worn that condom.
posted by SHARC @ 6:05 AM
4 comments
SHARC and the Raphael Centre
On the 20th of April, the Raphael Centre hosted an open day for HIV-positive pregnant women, the purpose of which was to introduce the women to the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) program and encourage them to take part in it.
SHARC offered to help by collecting products to put together hampers for each woman that attended. These consisted of a range of toiletries for the women and their children. Unfortunately, the SHARC members’ collective toiletries could not extend to 50 hampers (which was the number of women that were expected to attend), so we organized a public appeal for donations.
On the 8th of April, several enthusiastic SHARC volunteers stood outside Pick n Pay on a cold Friday afternoon, accompanied by two empty trolleys, a donation tin and posters and flyers asking members of the public for specific donations. Within a couple of hours, due to our irresistible charm and the exceptional generosity of the Grahamstown community, the trolleys had been filled with an outstanding assortment of choice goods – ranging from baby clothes to Eet Sum Mor biscuits. We returned on Saturday for several hours, and by the time the collection was stopped the total tally stood at:
While we were collecting donations and publicizing the event, the Raphael Centre staff were organizing workshops and activities for the Open Day, which proved to be a great success. Approximately 60 women attended, a large number of whom were HIV positive. These women were given information on Grahamstown’s PMTCT programme, which includes ARV therapy that is available at the hospital and primary health care clinic.
With the women came children, and with the children came a crowd of animated SHARC members eager to prove their natural affinity for children (and vice versa). With the SHARC crowd also arrived an impressive range of entertainment options, which included a clown, face painting, portrait sketching, soccer playing, African drumming, and tricycles. A day of raucous fun was inevitable. But beyond the fun, the important factor is that ultimately 60 women left the Open Day more informed and empowered to take action to prevent their unborn children from acquiring the HI virus.
SHARC offered to help by collecting products to put together hampers for each woman that attended. These consisted of a range of toiletries for the women and their children. Unfortunately, the SHARC members’ collective toiletries could not extend to 50 hampers (which was the number of women that were expected to attend), so we organized a public appeal for donations.
On the 8th of April, several enthusiastic SHARC volunteers stood outside Pick n Pay on a cold Friday afternoon, accompanied by two empty trolleys, a donation tin and posters and flyers asking members of the public for specific donations. Within a couple of hours, due to our irresistible charm and the exceptional generosity of the Grahamstown community, the trolleys had been filled with an outstanding assortment of choice goods – ranging from baby clothes to Eet Sum Mor biscuits. We returned on Saturday for several hours, and by the time the collection was stopped the total tally stood at:
While we were collecting donations and publicizing the event, the Raphael Centre staff were organizing workshops and activities for the Open Day, which proved to be a great success. Approximately 60 women attended, a large number of whom were HIV positive. These women were given information on Grahamstown’s PMTCT programme, which includes ARV therapy that is available at the hospital and primary health care clinic.
With the women came children, and with the children came a crowd of animated SHARC members eager to prove their natural affinity for children (and vice versa). With the SHARC crowd also arrived an impressive range of entertainment options, which included a clown, face painting, portrait sketching, soccer playing, African drumming, and tricycles. A day of raucous fun was inevitable. But beyond the fun, the important factor is that ultimately 60 women left the Open Day more informed and empowered to take action to prevent their unborn children from acquiring the HI virus.
posted by SHARC @ 6:01 AM
0 comments
