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NMMU launches HIV/Aids Centre

Testimony of orphaned children who assume the role of a household after their parents died of Aids were heard at the launch of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s HIV/Aids Centre today (Tuesday, 1 March 2005) at 09:30 at the Vodacom NMMU Sport Centre at the University’s South Campus.

The HIV and AIDS Centre strives to mitigate the health and socio-economic impact of HIV and AIDS on students, staff and the community.

Centre Director Dr Jill von der Marwitz said that intersectoral engagement and community participation creates a supportive and enabling environment to develop relevant academic programmes, research and community service delivery to address the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

The established institutional partnerships within the HIV and AIDS Centre in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in the areas of education, research and community outreach programmes places the centre in a unique position to contribute towards the enhancement of the health and quality of life of students, staff and the community.

Well-known Port Elizabeth doctor Mamisa Chabula, a member of the NMMU Interim Council was the guest speaker at the event. An HIV/Aids advisory council consisting of internal and external NMMU stakeholders were also be formally introduced.

Also at the launch function were Barbara Michel, director of the Higher Education HIV/AIDS Programme. She gave an outline of the HEAIDS National Strategic Framework.

Issued by: Roslyn Baatjies
NMMU Media Officer
Tel: 041-5042777/0827712100
e-mail: roslyn.baatjies@nmmu.ac.za