Human Papillomavirus Awareness Week

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Cervical cancer is the most common cancer of women worldwide. The Human Papillomavirus vaccination drive took place recently. The University of KwaZulu-Natal HIV and AIDS Programme (Pietermaritzburg campus), in collaboration with the Campus Health Clinic invited the Department of Health to conduct Pap-smears on site. The campaign was run over-two days. The objective of the campaign was to raise awareness about issues related to sexually transmitted infections, and particularly the human papillomavirus.

In light of this, the campaign aimed to:

-Encourage healthy lifestyles

-Encourage sexually active students and staff members to have their Pap-smears done

-Increase awareness on Human Papillomavirus and the importance of consistent condom usage

-Increase awareness of the availability of free and quality treatment at the Campus Health Clinic

-Promote delayed sexual debut

The campaign included a free Pap smear procedure which was done by two health professionals from the Department of Health. The campaign intended to target 100 people, but managed to successfully reach 40 clients which included both students and staff members. Whilst the initial target was not met, it showed potential for successful future events of this nature. Building on this, another campaign will be run in October 2018 (Breast Cancer Awareness month) to reach more people with the assistance of more internal and external stakeholders.

The UKZN HIV and AIDS Programme under the leadership of Ms Nomonde Magantolo aims to reach the entire UKZN population through various theme driven campaigns that all campuses can embrace. All Colleges and departments are encouraged to participate in this exciting University programme.

Words: Ndabaonline