A university response to HIV / AIDS
Crewe, M.
Aids Analysis Africa 10(5): 11-12
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1016-8974 PMID: 12322483 Document Number: 258344
This article discusses the silence of academicians on the issue of AIDS and the response of the University of Pretoria in South Africa to the growing AIDS problem. One of the proposed reasons for exclusion of AIDS discussion in universities is their belief in the irrelevance of AIDS in their lives. AIDS-related stress and burnout among counselors, the impact of HIV among 16-30 year olds, and the possible infection of junior level staffs underpin this view. In response, the University of Pretoria established the University AIDS program by coordinating with the Center for the Study of AIDS, which aims to integrate HIV/AIDS knowledge into all aspects of university life. The success of the program depends largely on the commitment of the faculty staff. Although the response to the issue may vary, the need to develop a core curricula and programs across the university is essential. Through an inter-faculty committee the program plans to instill AIDS/HIV as a serious intellectual challenge among its students and provide knowledge on how to deal with the infection within the workplace. Efforts, such as staff-in training on AIDS in the workplace, development of new patterns of thought and modes of teaching and creation of staff education and support, and work of the students using an extensive theoretical and applied research are expected to undergo much trial and error, experimentation, and hopefully success. The success of this program in dealing with HIV/AIDS could change the course epidemic in South Africa.