Author name: Robin Smith

Mpilonhle’s HIV testing program in South African schools aims to raise awareness and support youth, particularly in regions with high infection rates. The initiative faces concerns regarding students’ emotional readiness for testing and the vulnerability of young girls in relationships with older men. Additionally, expanding the program nationwide presents significant financial challenges.

OneSight, an American-based charity, provided free eye tests and glasses to around 5,000 Zululand residents, while Mpilonhle raised awareness about tuberculosis during the two-week clinic. The event, held in Jozini, Mangusi, Hlabisa, and Hluhluwe, exceeded expectations, with large crowds seeking treatment.

The following RFI radio session discusses the role Mpilonhle plays in offering testing resources and education in relation to the HIV and Aids Epidemic.

L’Unicef, en partenariat avec la Banque mondiale dévoile aujourd’hui à Johannesburg son rapport mondial sur les jeunes adolescents et le sida. L’Afrique du Sud est l’un des pays les plus touchés de la planète. Et d’après ce rapport le sort des jeunes et des jeunes filles en particulier est inquiétant. En 2009, il y aurait eu environ 160 000 jeunes contaminés dans ce pays, le plus touché d’Afrique. Pour essayer de remédier à cette situation l’association Mpilonhle travaille depuis 2007 dans les écoles du Kwazulu natal, sur la côte orientale de l’Afrique du Sud.

The Mpilonhle Mobile Health and Education Project provides health education, HIV prevention, and computer training to rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Using mobile units, the program offers health screenings, HIV testing, and interactive learning for students and their parents. It focuses on participatory education, promoting general health and wellness. The program also tracks progress using electronic records and offers services year-round.

En 2010, Nombuso Dlamini, une adolescente sud-africaine, a ressenti un grand soulagement après avoir été dépistée du VIH, ayant eu des relations sexuelles non protégées. Depuis, l’ONG Mpilonhle mène des campagnes de sensibilisation et de dépistage du VIH dans les écoles du KwaZulu-Natal, touchant plus de 10 000 élèves et visant à lutter contre l’épidémie de VIH chez les jeunes. Le programme de Mpilonhle a suscité des débats, notamment sur la confidentialité et le consentement parental. Alors que le gouvernement sud-africain prévoit d’élargir le dépistage, des défis demeurent, notamment la stigmatisation et les obstacles logistiques pour toucher tous les adolescents concernés.

South Africa is planning to introduce HIV testing in schools, but challenges around consent, confidentiality, and emotional readiness remain. Some support the initiative for early diagnosis and reducing stigma, while others worry about the adequacy of support. Organizations like Shout-It-Now and Mpilonhle have successfully implemented testing with high participation and confidentiality. However, concerns persist about the lack of proper support systems and involvement of non-health professionals.

Football legend Lucas Radebe visited Zululand to motivate students at Silethukukhanya Secondary School, encouraging them to work hard and stay dedicated to their studies. He shared his journey from aspiring to be a doctor to becoming a soccer star, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, belief in oneself, and good health, while also urging students to appreciate their resources. The visit was part of a project supported by Mpilonhle, Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project, and other partners, which includes a new soccer field and health education initiatives for the school and surrounding community.

The Mpilonhle NGO in Mtubatuba has helped reduce teenage pregnancies by educating high school students about safe sex and abstinence. In five years, only 15 pregnancies occurred out of 10,000 students, and HIV rates remain low. About 70% of students participate in HIV testing and counseling, showing the campaign’s success.

Ezikoleni eMtubatuba, enyakatho yeKZN, ukuthuthukiswa kwezemidlalo kube nomthelela ekwehliseni izinga lokukhulelwa kwabafundi. Lokhu kubonwa kulesi sikhathi, lapho kuphela abafundi abangu-10,000 kuya ku-15,000 abakhulelwayo, okuthuthukisa isimo somphakathi ohlushwa ububha. Izinhlangano ezahlukene, kuhlanganise no-Oprah Winfrey no-Charlize Theron, zinikeze uxhaso lwezimali ezikole, kufaka phakathi ukwakhiwa kwezinkundla zemidlalo. Ukuthuthukiswa kwezemidlalo, kanye nemikhankaso yokuhlola igciwane, kwaholela ekuzibophezeleni okukhulu kwabafundi ekuhloleni izifo ezifana ne-HIV.