HIV and AIDS Programme

The University of the Western Cape's (UWC) HIV and AIDS Programme was established in 2001 in recognition of the significant impact that the HIV and AIDS epidemic has on the university's student and staff population.

The HIV and AIDS Programme has developed a model integrated response to the epidemic that incorporates teaching, research, care and support, community outreach, advocacy, prevention and management of the epidemic.

The HIV and AIDS Programme Office, located in the Old Education Building, has a close working relationship with the university's Campus Health & Wellness Centre. It reports directly to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Tyrone Pretorius.

The programme is involved in a range of different activities. These include:

• capacity building and information workshops for staff and students,
• acting as a resource centre,
• free distribution of condoms,
• provision of free voluntary counselling and testing services,
• nutritional, medical, psycho-social and spiritual support for students and staff infected and affected by HIV,
• peer education programmes, and
• an interactive theatre group.

The programme is also involved in a number of innovative curriculum integration projects on campus, has established a volunteer programme that links students to community organisations working in the field of HIV and AIDS as well as exciting and innovative research projects. There is a strong focus on addressing gender power issues and on involving men as partners to curb the spread of the epidemic on campus.

Contact details

For more information or to book an appointment contact us at +27 (0)21 959 2648/2247 or visit us in the Old Education Building (Ground Floor), Park Road, Main Campus.