GREAT strides have been made in curbing the impact of HIV/Aids in South Africa but there's still much to be done. This was the conclusion of the 2015 SA Aids Conference held last month in Durban. In its seventh year, the conference was themed "Reflection, Refocus and Renewal" and provided an in-depth look at the progress that South Africa has made in reducing the impact and spread of Aids. The high number of new HIV infections among young women and girls was identified as a pertinent problem. Statistics by the Human Science Research Council show that black African females aged 2O to 34 have the highest incidence of HW among all the analysed population groups.
The total number of infected South Africans stood at 6.4 million last year - 1.2 million more than in 2008. Driving these statistics is the decreasing public knowledge about HIV According to the 2014 HSRC National HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey report, only 26.8 percent of the 38 000 people surveyed understood how HIV was transmitted and knew the ways to prevent it. That's down from 30.3percent in 2008 "It is both astounding and disappointing to hear these statistics and to discover that public ignorance regarding HIV Aids has increased," comments Natalie Rabson of Boston City Campus & Business College. "On a positive note, we know where we stand as the problematic areas are clearly identified: we need to intensify our HIV/Aids education efforts and to reach out to young women as a matter of urgency."
Most people are able to make a difference in disseminating the correct information about the disease and its treatment. The most important of these are aids counsellors - people living in communities and people working in business. Aids counsellors play a vital role in every sphere of life, in society and in the workplace, as they provide much-needed support to individuals and companies. Boston offers training in HIV/ Aids counselling to school leavers as well as nurses, doctors, social workers, emergency workers, health and safety professionals teachers, HR and corporate staff and anyone wanting to improve their skills in this specialised field. On completion of Boston's Higher Certificate in HIV/Aids Counselling and Management, you have the necessary knowledge and practical skills required to:
The higher certificate is on NQF level 5 and you can complete it within one year full-time or two years in part-time studies. Those who complete this qualification can contribute to the effective support and management of people living with HIV/Aids in a corporate environment as well as in a community environment. Work opportunities include employment in a corporate environment, in clinics, in a counselling practice, as well as private consulting.
Counsellors will be able to inform, educate and counsel both those who are infected as well as those who are affected by HIV/ Aids, like colleagues, friends, family and employers. In addition, they can consult to management regarding the development of corporate policies, and the application of various labour regulations within the workplace.
The Boston Higher Certificate in HIV/Aids Counselling and Management is also ideal for continuous professional development in occupations such as primary health-care providers; home-based caregivers; early childhood educators and teachers; and HR and development practitioners. According to Rabson, there are big advantages in favour of doing the Higher Certificate in HIV/ Aids Counselling and Management. One is the broad employment opportunities - many companies and organisations need aids counsellors. Another is that you can work for yourself: you can offer your services to companies and NGOs as an independent, qualified Aids counsellor.
An advantage that not many people know about, is that by successfully completing the HIV / Aids Counselling and Management certificate, you become eligible to apply for a degree at Unisa. "If you passed matric but did not get university entrance, you can do the Higher Certificate in HIV/Aids Counselling and Management as it provides endorsement - from the South African Matriculation Board - for admission to Bachelor's degree study" she says. For more detailed information, e-mail Boston City Campus & Business College directly at info@ boston.co.za or see www.boston .co.za
Students that apply for admission at Boston City Campus & Business College will get a response to their applications within two working days. And those that apply long in advance for their 2016 studie…
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