Botswana has the highest HIV prevalence (the number of people infected with HIV) in the world. How has the epidemic affected the 11 000 students and 3 000 employees at the University of Botswana (UB)? Researchers from UB’s Faculty of Education assess the impact of HIV/AIDS and describe a new prevention and support strategy.

Researchers looked at current efforts to tackle HIV. They found that the university clinic offers medical support to students and HIV prevention activities, such as condom distribution. The Counselling Centre serves students and staff but is underused because of lack of confidentiality, use of student counsellors, stigma and poor awareness of the services provided. The Students Against HIV/AIDS group provides information to students, but is very small. The committee responsible for mainstreaming HIV/AIDS throughout the university suffers from poor attendance. However, some lecturers try to educate students about HIV/AIDS through the curriculum and research.

These efforts have not greatly changed sexual behaviour. Pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing among students. This may be due to cultural norms and aspects of campus social life as well as pressure to find a spouse and have children.

Few students and staff members have access to good quality medical services, including anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs), so most are unwilling to be tested for HIV. As a result, there is no accurate information on HIV prevalence at the university. However, AIDS-related deaths are projected to increase from 206 students in the year 2000 to 546 in 2010. The impact is felt in other ways too. Students suffer from stress, psychological trauma, de-motivation, fear and anxiety due to sickness, nursing or loss of a loved one. This causes absence and withdrawal from classes. Absenteeism is not yet a serious problem among staff members, who may show up for work even when they are very ill. However, sick employees often receive unfair treatment from the university and their colleagues.

The researchers recommend that UB develops clear policy guidelines for students living with HIV/AIDS and:

• provides medical insurance, including ARVs and establishes a support system to identify and care for the sick
• counsels and trains caregivers and encourages students to visit the Counselling Centre
• increases student intake by at least five per cent to cover for losses related to AIDS
• recruits a full-time co-ordinator to develop imaginative ways of delivering information on sexual health and incorporates HIV/AIDS issues into courses offered by every department
• punishes students guilty of sexual harassment
• provides the drug zidovudine (AZT) for any student who is raped.

They also highlight the need for a comprehensive AIDS in the Workplace programme at UB that:

• assesses HIV prevalence and likely mortality rates among staff to guide annual recruitment targets
• intensifies HIV/AIDS education campaigns, targeting high-risk groups
• expands the university clinic to provide health services for staff
• forms staff support groups
• ensures that every staff member joins a medical aid scheme
• encourages core and team teaching so that colleagues can cover for sick staff members.

Source(s):
‘The impact of HIV/AIDS on the University of Botswana: developing a comprehensive strategic response’, Education Research Serial #44, DFID, by B. Chilisa, P. Bennell and K. Hyde, 2001

Funded by: UK Department for International Development

id21 Research Highlight: 6 April 2004

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