First Things First, a newly launched HIV counselling and testing campaign, aims to encourage at least 15 million South Africans, particularly first-year students in tertiary education to get tested for HIV and know their status – with an added incentive. Those who are tested stand in line to drive home a sporty Toyota Yaris Zen.
HEAIDS, in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training, the Department of Health, Innovative Medicines South Africa (IMSA), the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD), United States Agency for International Development (USAID),PEPFAR) and the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) will be rolling out the First Things First HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) campaign at public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from early 2012. The campaign aims to mobilize students and staff at HEIs across South Africa to know their HIV status, stop HIV stigma and fight the HIV pandemic. The campaign is aimed for roll-‐out to all campuses at all public Higher Education Institutions, and aims to test at least 35,000 people from all sections of the Higher Education community, including students, academics and service and administrative staff.
For more information on the First Things First campaign, please visit the website.