Hundreds flock to be tested in health initiative

HUNDREDS of students at the Lovedale TVET College yesterday flocked to the health and HIV activation to be tested for HIV and screened for STIs, TB and other health conditions.

Organised at Lovedale TVET College as part of an ongoing national stream of HIV and health activations by the Higher Education and Training HIV/Aids Programme (HEAIDS) First Things First, students also took advantage of the information, counselling and referrals for treatment.

Other services the programme provides are the distribution of condoms, screening for non-communicable diseases, and sexual reproductive health advice.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mduduzi Manana – who attended the event – champions the programme.

The First Things First programme is a national collaboration focused on advancing health education and awareness of HIV, STIs, TB and other related health and social conditions which affect the progress of young people in all spheres of their lives.

Speaking at the Zwelitsha campus, Manana highlighted that the visit to Lovedale College took place just days away from two significant national commemorations – the 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children, which began yesterday, and World Aids Day, on 1 December.

Dr Ramneek Ahluwalia, director of HEAIDS, said First Things First was now in its sixth successful year.

He said it spoke to the first priority of every young South African to look after their health and wellbeing.

The First Things First data from last year shows that more than 175 000 young people were screened and tested for HIV.

The programme was also a critical intervention that brought essential sexual reproductive health and rights services within students’ easy access.

Ahluwalia stressed that healthy and productive graduates were a cornerstone of a healthy economy.