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Representatives of higher education institutions across South Africa today (Thurs) launched a new policy and strategic framework for addressing HIV. The document offers practical guidance and a strong vision for intensified action across the sector.  

The launch took place at the University of Cape Town mid-way through the three-day national conference of the Higher Education AIDS Programme (HEAIDS), which is run under the auspices of Higher Education South Africa (HESA). “It is now clear that HIV and AIDS cannot be countered effectively without a strong unity of purpose – at our individual institutions, in our sector, our country and, indeed, the global community,” commented Professor Brian O’Connell, chairperson of the HESA-HEAIDS strategy group.

“This policy and strategic framework helps to guide all institutions to build a unified, comprehensive sector response. The expectation is that this will assist the higher education sector to scale up its impact significantly.” The new Policy and Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS for Higher Education builds on the National Strategic Plan on HIV, STIs and TB 2012 – 2016, which was published a year ago.  “There is a dynamic relationship between the national response and the higher education response to HIV and TB,” said HEAIDS programme director Dr Ramneek Ahluwalia. “The two processes inform and enrich each other.”

He pointed out that the age profile of students meant that higher education institutions were particularly vulnerable to the HIV epidemic. At the same time, the strategic position of the higher education sector – in generating research, providing leadership and producing the nation’s most skilled workers – called for a special response to the epidemic that tapped into the unique resources of institutions. The strategic framework guides institutions on developing targeted interventions for specific groups or populations in accordance with their varying risk of HIV infection.

In addition it provides direction on: § Mobilising the research, innovation and knowledge management resources that higher education institutions have at their disposal in order to strengthen the response to HIV in the sector and for the nation as a whole. § Developing services and activities designed to improve diagnosis of HIV and TB among students and staff and ensure speedy access to appropriate and user-friendly treatment and support.

Building a culture of acceptance and support on all campuses to ensure that the response to HIV and TB is free of stigma and discrimination. Today’s launch of the document is the culmination of many months of consultation within the higher education sector (which includes the Department of Higher Education and Training) and with expert bodies in the broader HIV field, such as the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), the Department of Health and UNAIDS.