One of the biggest threats to HIV prevention | Articles | Vendzulu Development Agency

The Biggest Threat to HIV Prevention

“ HIV AIDS is a divine retribution for homosexuality or promiscuity that originates from man having sex with a monkey or an ape and that can be cured by having sex with a virgin or drinking herbal tea such as Kombucha.” Bizarre statements like these stem from common superstitions and beliefs about HIV AIDS, and clearly proves that one of the biggest threats to HIV prevention, is sheer ignorance. HIV AIDS education therefore remains one of the most important tools in combating this deadly virus. “It is for this reason that we are pleased to announce that we are now officially accredited by the Health and Welfare Sector Training Authority as a training provider of HIV AIDS learning programmes,” says Mrs. Siza Netshilaphala, Managing Director of Vendzulu Development Agency.

Vendzulu Development Agency is now able to provide HIV Training for the following HIV AIDS learning programmes that can be well utilised in socio-economic development programmes as well as employee development or wellness programmes in the workplace:

• US: Support clients who are receiving Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART): NQF Level 1;
• US: Provide information about HIV and AIDS and treatment options in community care support situations: NQF Level 2; and
• US: Educate and work closely with the community with regards to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including Human Immune Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV AIDS): NQF Level 4.

The Importance of HIV Training in the Workplace

It is estimated that 90% of people who have HIV AIDS are working. To assist with hiv prevention, the workplace should therefore be one of the key areas that should be targeted for HIV Training and education. Here are some of the motivating factors:

• Due to the stigma that is attached to the disease, many workers were never educated about it during their childhood or within their communities;
• There are a number of environments within which workers are exposed to higher risk of infection, such as for example the medical profession. It has also been determined that employees who travel frequently are more inclined to risky sexual behaviour;
• Workers who are already infected and have some HIV Symptoms, often have no or limited information about living with HIV; and
• Because of a number of misconceptions about HIV AIDS, co-workers of those who are HIV Positive often discriminate against them.

The above-mentioned clearly illustrates why the workplace is an ideal platform from which people should be educated about HIV AIDS. This fact has also been recognised by Dr. Peter Piot, former Executive Director of UNAIDs.

What Every HIV Aids Learning Programme Should Teach

HIV Training should always be customised to meet the unique requirements of each environment. However, there are a number of basic elements that should form part of every HIV AIDS learning programme. They are:

HIV protection and treatment:

• How HIV AIDS infection occurs and how to protect oneself from getting infected;
• The development of sexuality and understanding sexual orientation; and
• The various treatment options and support structures that are available for people who are HIV Positive.

• The social and emotional HIV and social implications:*

• The importance of confronting and tackling HIV AIDS in communities;
• Understanding that men and women have the same rights and should be treated accordingly;
• How to support people who are HIV Positive and not discriminate against them;
• Maintaining dignity and self-worth while living with HIV AIDS;
• How to handle difficult and risky situations pertaining to your HIV Status; and
• Coping with the loss of a loved one due to HIV AIDS.

Although these fundamental building blocks should be part of any HIV AIDS education, it is also critical to deliver the HIV Training in an engaging and interactive manner, to ensure that the message is remembered. But most importantly, where possible, learners should be given the opportunity to apply the information that they have learnt.

Vendzulu Development Agency is a Project Management Consultancy that specialises in the project management of socio-economic development and service delivery Programmes. “The full accreditation of the organisation as a training provider of hiv aids learning programmes, is just another value-added component that we are proud to now add to our multi-disciplinary range of project and/or programme management services,” enthuses Mrs. Siza Netshilaphala.