Varsity marks World AIDS Day

Abstract

The University of Nairobi (UoN) joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 2015 World AIDS Day. HIV testing, counseling, breast and cervical cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes and hypertension screening are among the activities planned for the day. The event, themed “Getting to zero; zero new infections, zero AIDS related stigma and discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths,” held at the Lower Kabete Campus, saw local artists entertain the students, members of staff and the general public throughout the day. Presiding over the ceremony, the chief guest and UoN Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi said that the World AIDS Day is a day for the expression of international solidarity with every person infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, a day in which the University community gathers to reaffirm its commitment to reaching the HIV/AIDS goals agreed by the global community. “It is important for all of us to note that efforts to reduce HIV/ AIDS cannot be done in one day, such as on the World AIDS Day. It is a continuous process which we must engage in diligently, tirelessly and resolutely for us to be able to build on the gains we have achieved so far,” Dr. Rattansi said. “Each of us as a constituent member of the university community has a role to play in this effort, both at an individual and corporate level.” Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Enos Njeru, said that the University recognizes the importance of partnerships in tackling HIV and AIDS prevention and achieving its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. The University has therefore partnered with the National AIDS Control Council and several non-governmental organizations, in implementation of HIV prevention and management programs. The University of Nairobi HIV/AIDS policy helps in implementing various interventions thus allowing the University to make progress in HIV/AIDS control and management. UoN has continued to partner with other stakeholders on research, training and dissemination of HIV/AIDS information. Through its networks, UoN provides sponsorship for HIV fellowship programs to enhance capacity building and management of HIV/AIDS.