Whatshot
Nation Builders hosts HIV/AIDS Awareness Programme
Nation Builders hosts HIV/AIDS Awareness Programme
Almost one in five (17%) of South African adults aged between 15 and 49 have HIV - a five percentage point increase from 2000. A total of 5.3 million South Africans under the age of 50 are HIV-positive, according to a study by the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), recently published in the journal Nature.
To commemorate World AIDS Day, Nation Builders conducted a HIV/AIDS Awareness Programme at Rhodes Food Group in Verulam where approximately 250 employees were in attendance.
Local GP, Dr Nivasha Naidoo and Dental Therapist, Caroline Pillay were the keynote speakers at the event. Dr Naidoo covered a range of issues which included:
- The importance of knowing your status
- False perceptions that are hindering treatment - - Stigma regarding HIV/AIDS
- What to do if u test positive or negative
- The importance of following instructions given by doctors
Dental Therapist Karolyn Pillay conducted an informative session on the manifestation of the HIV/AIDS illness in oral cavity, mouth ulcers and oral thrush. She also encouraged those present to see their dentist twice a year.
Nation Builders a non-profit organization continues to work on various social development initiatives in an effort to empower women, youth and children in our communities. For more information on how to partner with Nation Builders or to request information on the programmes they offer contact Leann Peters on 083 743 4812 or nationbuilderssa@gmail.com