Talk about HIV and antiretroviral therapy

This week Sizabantwana had its fortnightly meeting at St Nicholas Diocesan School due to some unfortunate flooding at our usual venue, the Tatham Art Gallery. We would like to thank St Nicholas for hosting us at such short notice.

On Thursday, Sizabantwana heard from the Pietermaritzburg campus UKZN HIV/AIDS support unit. Ms Lindiwe Mbhele (health promotor) and colleagues, came to chat with our teachers about some very important issues regarding HIV and antiretroviral therapy. The UKZN HIV/AIDS support unit offers counselling and medical advice and services to students on campus and had some excellent insight and experience to share with our teachers.

The meeting on Thursday was very informal and took the form of a discussion which allowed the Sizabantwana members to ask questions and receive answers from experts about issues relating to HIV/AIDS that needed clarification. The discussion covered a range of areas including transmission and how to protect oneself, as well as antiretroviral therapy, and how it is used to treat HIV as well as what kind of side effects are expected and why. The teachers were especially interested in how antiretroviral therapy works in children. The support unit was very informative and the informal setting of the meeting allowed the teachers to ask questions and cover issues that were most pertinent to them. The teachers were also given advice on how to help those students who may need aid regarding HIV testing or antiretroviral therapy.

From everyone at Sizabantwana, we would like to thank Ms. Lindiwe Mbhele and her colleagues at the Pietermaritzburg campus UKZN HIV/AIDS support unit for their invaluable insight and willingness to teach us and discuss those very important issues regarding HIV/AIDS and ART with. Your time was greatly appreciated.