Freshers: Champion the Stay Free from HIV campaign
As youth at university level, we can support the campaigns to reduce these numbers by safeguarding yourselves, writes Lyton Namutebi Tamanyiirwa
Lyton Namutebi Tamanyiirwa. (File)
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OPINION
By Lyton Namutebi Tamanyiirwa
Warm welcome to all Year One university students, often referred to as freshers; indeed, congratulations! This is a new journey in your educational progress that comes with new friends, new environments, new relationships, and new facilitators. A whole new social world is opening up.
Nightclubs, house parties, concerts and many other experiences. This is the time when you will determine when to leave the hostel and when to go back. It is no longer closely monitored by the parents or the teachers like in high school; therefore, you must become your own guardian. Amid all these new experiences, you are expected to make many decisions, for example, decisions relating to health, like safeguarding your life from HIV, which has been reported to be rising among the youth.
- Do not be afraid to ask people to test for HIV
- Inform them that you are not ready,
- Friendship does not mean sexual intercourse,
- Be strong; keep the big no; refer to the bible that the body remains a temple, and indeed you can champion the stay free from HIV campaign
We may even assume that because someone looks healthy, they must be HIV free, but HIV does not have a look. Therefore, be your own guardian. Begin by knowing your HIV status. Testing does not always have to mean walking into a clinic and sitting anxiously outside a counselling room. You may opt for HIV self-testing, which is an easier and more private way to know your status.
Additionally, it is worth knowing the options available to protect yourself. The ABCs are still relevant, that is, abstain, be faithful to your partner and use condoms. As secondary options, you may use PrEP, which can protect an HIV-negative person before possible exposure to HIV. And if something happens and you think you may have been exposed, PEP can help prevent infection when started quickly.
The writer is a lecturer in the Business Communication Department at Makerere University Business School