The Limpopo Health MEC Dikeledi Magadzi has made a compassionate call for institution of higher learning in the province to face the challenges of HIV and AIDS; sexually transmitted illness and the rising incidents of teenage pregnancy head in the same spirit that brought us freedom saying if we do so we will be able not only to save lives but pave a bright future for young people.
During the event held at the University of Venda, near Thohoyandou heralded as vital in the fight against the alarming rate of teenage pregnancy, HIV prevalence and other sexually transmitted illnesses among young people, the Limpopo Health MEC Dikeledi Magadzi deployed mobile clinics at the university grounds giving the university community an opportunity to know their health status, with emphasis on HIV Testing and Counselling (HCT).
About 759 people received counselling and tested for HIV and a total of 21 students were screened for sugar diabetes while 24 presented themselves for testing blood pressure (BP). Although all those who tested both for BP and blood sugar received a clean bill of health, the same cannot be said about HIV as 17 people tested positive.
Magadzi said those who tested positive will receive appropriate treatment.
"We are confident that those who tested positive will do all they can to ensure their safety and that of their loved ones, however we also want to urge members of the community not to stigmatise HIV positive people as that kind of attitude has proven to be the most critical area of concern on the road to recovery and the management of the virus".
Last year, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe announced that all HIV positive people with a CD4 count of 350 and below will be on a life-long Anti-retroviral treatment (ART).
We are calling on all institutions of higher and further education in Limpopo to emulate the bold step by the University of Venda to partner with the Department of Health in organising health campaigns aimed at ensuring that all of us know our health status, including HIV status as we endeavour to build a long and healthy life for all South Africans", Magadzi pleaded.
Magadzi also said her department is worried that particularly young women do not take advantage of tips that sexuality education including family planning has to offer as it seems most prefer abortion as though is a form of contraceptives.
"Let us be responsible for our reproductive health ladies, learn to say No", Magadzi concluded.
Enquiries:
Joe Maila (Spokesperson)
Cell: 082 887 3581
E-mail: joe.maila@dhsd.limpopo.gov.za
Magadzi calls on institution of higher learning to face HIV challenge head-on
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