Rhodes University - HCT Mass Campaign and ART Roll-Out, May 2010

Background: The imperative of expanding the number of clients counselled and tested (CT) for HIV comes as a result of the magnitude of South Africa’s epidemic. Over 1,200 people become infected with HIV every day in South Africa (SANAC, 2010). This staggering number has contributed to an epidemic where today 5.2 million South Africans (10.9% of the total population) are living with HIV. Further, a recent study conducted among all the Universities in South Africa showed the highest HIV prevalence among students of the Eastern Cape (6.4%) province as compared to 1.1% in the Western Cape province.

Purpose: The purpose of the Africare - Rhodes University intervention was to enhance and expand the delivery of quality VCT services in Makana sub district targeting 2,000 Rhodes University students, 500 academic staff and its surrounding community. Propelling Africare’s support for this intervention was the recognition of CT role in preventing new HIV infections and increasing access to care and treatment (including antiretroviral therapy) among the university community. Further this intervention is in line with the current government initiative on HCT Mass Campaign and ART roll out launched by the President of South Africa on April 15, 2010.

Picture: Rhodes University Grahamstown, Eastern Cape Province

Methodology: Pursuant to the invitation by the Makana Sub District Department of Health, the Africare-South Africa team provided technical assistance and support to ensure appropriate advocacy, communication and mass mobilisation including procurement and dissemination of behaviour change communication materials. Additional health staffs were provided to ensure appropriate counselling and testing services. Essential equipment and supplies including shelter materials for additional confidential and private space were provided to augment the resources provided by the government. In addition to the CT interventions the multi-disciplinary team on site provided STI management services, blood pressure checks for hypertension, blood sugar measurement for diabetes mellitus, haemoglobin measurement for anaemia and symptomatic TB screening. The interventions in Rhodes University were in line with HCT campaign South Africa guidelines.

Picture: Tents where provided to provide for additional space, confidentiality and privacy

Results: Between May 4th and 14th 2010, a total of 2,067 (target 2,000) students, academic and non-academic staff of Rhodes University where reached and provided with counselling services of which 707 (34%) were males and 1360 (66%) females. Of those counselled 1408 were aged between 15-24 years and rest were above 25 years. None of those counselled and tested were below 15 years of age. Of the 2067 counselled, 1,841 accepted the test, 553 (30%) of which were male and 1,288 (70%) female. Of those tested only 10 (0.54%) were found HIV infected with a female to male ratio of 1:1. Notably all those who tested positive for the HIV antibodies were above 25 years of age, 9 of whom were non- students.

Conclusion: CT is a primary entry point into prevention and other services at educational institutions especially the Universities. Focussing and enhancing quality counselling and testing among university students will prevent further spread of HIV and improve access medical care, treatment and support among HIV positive and negative students in the EC Universities. HIV counselling and testing (C&T) is also an important part of a continuum of HIV prevention and treatment services. However, inconvenient hours or location, unfriendly staff at health facilities (as perceived by the youth), and lack of privacy and confidentiality are among reasons many young adults give for not using conventional HIV prevention and reproductive health service points. Since young people generally do not use existing services, Africare supported Rhodes University in a special effort to attract, serve, and retain young clients into the comprehensive HIV and AIDS care and treatment services in Makana Sub district.