Cape Town - The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has become the first university in the Western Cape to roll out antiretroviral treatment on campus for students with HIV/Aids.

This initiative will allow students to receive their ARVs from the Student Health Clinic Decanting Site at Bellville Campus instead of having to miss classes and stand in long queues at hospitals and local clinics.

“The programme will be rolled out to all other CPUT campuses by 2020, but the university does have a good shuttle service between campuses, so affected students may use the shuttles to access their ARVs at the Bellville campus,” said CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley.

Acting head at the CPUT Student Health Department Andries Slinger said that all students who are registered will have access to this programme and will be provided with at least a two-month supply of ARVs to ensure they have access to the medication when on holiday or at home.

“Counselling will also be made available to students, as this is an integral part of HIV/Aids management with regards to acceptance of their condition, de-stigmatisation and addressing possible discrimination.”