“I'M NOT CURED, BUT THE HIV IS ASLEEP DEEP IN MY BODY.” - MAGIC JOHNSON

From the first term to the third term of 2015, The First Things First (FTF) HIV Counselling and Testing campaigns (HCT) took place across all of CPUT campuses targeting over 30 000 students from the CPUT institution and its staff members.

The campaign was achieved in collaboration with the ZAZI and Brothers For Life campaigns, TB/HIV Care Association, Health4Men, CPUT Campus Clinic and the CPUT Media. The aim of the campaign was to encourage safe sexual lifestyle among CPUT students and staff members and to detect the virus for those infected but unaware at an early stage.

2015 saw more men stepping out of shell to test and take the first step in ensuring their health is well taken care of. This was a challenge in the past. It was discovered that some men did not bother themselves to test for HIV due to the perception that ‘if my girlfriend is negative, then so am I.’ which is completely false.  Countless students came out with their partners to test together as a way of showing their love towards each other. This is strongly recommended by the CPUT HIV/AIDS Unit that couples test together and not only one partner.

This year not only did more men arise to test, but LSRC’s (Local Student Representative Council)  from various CPUT campuses came out in numbers to support the testing campaign and lead by example.

“It is important that you know what your HIV status is, because this will determine how you will live your life from this point on, whether your status is negative or positive.” - Maraisa Homan

LSRC CPUT Wellington 2015

Community and Development Officer

Throughout the testing campaigns Peer Educators assisted with the logistics such as setting up, signing people up and directing them where to go for testing as well as condom demonstration and distribution, which was a large attraction for by passers.

Every student that tested received a free goodie bag that had in it a 2GB USB/cap/t-shirts, free condoms, femidons, lubricates and booklets educating on how to look after your health and sexual lifestyle. The USB’s came with a set of information educating students on the HI virus. 

We acknowledge the hard work that nurses had to go through, in order to test thousands of CPUT students and staff members. Their services were undeniably outstanding in accuracy and professionalism. We further more acknowledge the support the CPUT Media gave us when we went to residences.