On April 07 every year, the world celebrates World Health Day. The University of Venda (UNIVEN) noticed a need to dedicate the whole week to its employees and students by organising a series of health awareness presentations from Tuesday, 20 April to Friday, 23 April 2021. These series of health awareness presentations took place on Microsoft teams.
The theme for this year’s World Health is ‘Building a fairer, healthier world for everyone’ and was launched by the South African Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize on the 07 April 2021.
Why is it important for people to take care of their health? Taking better care of our bodies means increased energy levels, and a better ability to accomplish our daily goals. It means better ability to concentrate on any given task, and that our tasks will take less time to complete.
Head of UNIVEN Campus Health Clinic, Mrs Faith Mashau said our health is at the centre of our life. “Every part of your life relies on you having good health. You cannot climb higher in all the other seven areas of your life if you do not have enough physical and mental energy to devote to each of them.”
The following topics were identified by Campus Health Clinic for 2021 Health awareness week: Identifying depressed students on campus; Signs and symptoms and prevention of Tuberculosis (TB); Pre- exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Diet and lifestyle modification.
She highlighted that, the knowledge gained, and early identification of signs and symptoms could prevent infections on campus, poor performance, drop-out, suicide and could further improve physical and mental wellbeing of both UNIVEN staff and students.
Mr Edward Dongola, who is a Senior Professional Nurse at UNIVEN Campus Health Clinic
Mr Edward Dongola, who is a Senior Professional Nurse at UNIVEN Campus Health Clinic made a presentation on the prevention and identification of depressed students on campus, highlighting that early identification will avoid drop out from the University, prevent suicide, prevent poor performance and will improve mental health.
Professional Nurse at UNIVEN Campus Health Clinic, Mr Joseph Neluheni
A Professional Nurse at UNIVEN Campus Health Clinic, Mr Joseph Neluheni highlighted the importance of identifying early signs and symptoms of TB to prevent further infection on campus since it can be treated.
Ms Maggie Hlungwani, an HIV/AIDS Coordinator
A presentation on PrEP was made by Ms Maggie Hlungwani, who is an HIV/AIDS Coordinator. Ms Hlungwani indicated groups of people who qualify and those who do not qualify to get PrEP. She further highlighted about the minor side effects of PrEP.
Ms Tshilidzi Masia, a Professional Nurse from UNIVEN Campus Health Clinic
A presentation regarding Diet and Lifestyle Modification came from Ms Tshilidzi Masia, a Professional Nurse from UNIVEN Campus Health Clinic who said living a healthy lifestyle can prevent chronic diseases and long-term illnesses.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8710
Date: 26 April 2021
