ABSTRACT
PIP: 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.^ieng
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , HIV Infections , Research , Universities , Africa , Africa South of the Sahara , Africa, Southern , Developing Countries , Disease , Education , Schools , South Africa , Virus DiseasesABSTRACT
PIP: The author presents a number of contradictions to South African President Mbeki's views on the causal link between HIV and AIDS, his support for Virodene--an alleged cure for HIV, and his refusal to provide AZT to HIV-infected pregnant women. These contradictions include the following: 1) in seeking an African solution and to ensure that Western drugs are not relied upon, he will confer with mainly non-Africans for his answer; 2) his government is committed to the development of an HIV vaccine; therefore, it should fully acknowledge the causal connection between HIV and AIDS; 3) he is aware of the thousands of people who are infected and dying but refuses to sanction treatment that could reduce this toll. With President Mbeki's pessimism concerning the treatment of AIDS, it may be even harder to get South Africa back on track in fighting HIV/AIDS and all of its consequences.^ieng
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , Attitude , Culture , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Government , HIV Infections , Administrative Personnel , Africa , Africa South of the Sahara , Africa, Southern , Behavior , Developing Countries , Disease , Organization and Administration , Psychology , South Africa , Virus DiseasesABSTRACT
The Johannesburg City Health Department embarked on an AIDS awareness campaign using messages placed on the outside of 30 city buses. The selection of the message and the campaign are outlined briefly. An evaluation to assess the overall effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness of using buses as a "vehicle' for exposing the local community to AIDS awareness messages is described. Two cross-sectional studies using telephone interviews were done 2 1/2 and 6 months after the campaign began; 30.2% and 31.5%, respectively, of respondents had seen the message. Accurate recall of the message was generally poor. The overall cost of the campaign was R7 627. Various other aspects of the study are discussed. The study revealed that signs on buses are a cost-effective means of conveying simple and brief health-related messages.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/prevention & control , Health Education/methods , Humans , Program Evaluation , South AfricaABSTRACT
Blood samples from 304 children aged 6 months to 16 years were tested by radioimmunoassay for antibodies to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV). Of several factors examined for a possible association with the prevalence of anti-HAV--age, sex, race, geographic location and presence of malignant disease--only age showed a positive correlation with the prevalence of these antibodies.