PRESS RELEASE

FIRST THINGS FIRST, MAKE YOUR HEALTH YOUR PRIORITY

NMMU Campus Health Service is taking part in the First Things First Campaign (supported by the Deputy Minister of HET and HEAIDS), taking place annually across all 26 Universities and TVET Colleges.

The objective of this campaign is to develop & support HIV, TB and STI prevention initiatives, as well as to promote health and wellness. Secondly, the campaign will ensure that all in the NMMU community get tested for HIV, ensuring that everyone knows their status, blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

With HIV testing being the main issue, the campaign provides testing for large numbers using HIV rapid prick tests (this is supported by an appropriate pre-test and post-test counselling and education programme).

The campaign takes place across all NMMU campuses. The dates are as follows:

15 and 16 February: 2nd Avenue Campus

6 to 9 March: South Campus

13 and 14 March: Missionvale Campus

27 to 30 March: North Campus

Will take place at 09h00 to 14h30.

The benefit of this campaign is that should you test positive you will start with your treatment regardless of your CD4 count. Should you test negative, health education on how to remain negative for life will be provided. Freebees will also be provided.

Contact: Sr. Althea Hawkins

Site Manager (Campus Health Service, North Campus)

Contact no: 041 504 3869

Release issued by: Sandiso Nombona

Public Relations Intern (Campus Health Service)

Contact no: 079 265 9625 / s213230267@nmmu.ac.za