MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY
MSU Policy on HIV/AIDS
INITIATED BY THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY
Policy on HIV/AIDS
1.0
BACKGROUND
The national HIV/AIDS policy of the Republic of Zimbabwe was developed in
1999 following the recognition of the worsening situation and the need to
mobilize other sectors to participate actively in the fight against HIV/AIDS in
Zimbabwe. HIV/AIDS is now a serious problem of major national significance
with far reaching socio-economic impact.
1.1
The University recognizes that HIV/AIDS is a serious public health,
psychological, spiritual, social and economic problem affecting
the whole country and requiring to be addressed as a major
priority through appropriate individual and collective action.
1.2
The University is committed to protecting both the rights of
individuals and the health and safety of the community in the
event of situations involving HIV/AIDS.
1.3
The University will strive to promote the integration and infusion
of HIV/AIDS programmes into the core functions of teaching,
research and community engagements. This is in congruence with
the mission statement of the University.
1.4
The University will seek to develop policies and practices in
relation to HIV/AIDS based on principles of human dignity. In this
regard, Midlands State University will not permit discrimination
against students or staff members who are perceived to be HIV
Positive or suffering from AIDS.
1.5
The University as an institute will seek to play a leading role in
addressing HIV/AIDS so as to “nip the pandemic in the bud”
1.6
Midlands State University will strive to ensure that the provision
of access of up to date information on prevention, care and
support for all staff and students is readily available.
1.7
The University will treat HIV/AIDS in all respects like other life
threatening conditions.
2.0
1.8
The University will create a caring, supportive and nondiscriminatory environment for its members infected or affected
by HIV/AIDS.
1.9
The University will sustain equal opportunities for employees and
students with or perceived to have HIV/AIDS.
1.10
The University will create an environment conducive to people
with HIV and AIDS revealing their status and seeking appropriate
support and counseling.
1.11
The University encourages all employees and students to
recognize their responsibility to develop a personal life style in
which they will not put themselves or others at risk of infection.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
2.1
The policy means MSU Policy
2.2
University means Midlands State University
2.3
Staff means members employed by the University on full or part
time basis.
2.4
Student means a person registered by the University for the
purposes of studying with student identity
2.5
HIV means Human Immune Deficiency Virus
2.6
AIDS means the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (that is
the latter phase of HIV infection)
2.7
Confidentiality means keeping information private. Such
information is protected by ethical and legal considerations.
2.8
Informed consent-means agreement given with full knowledge and
understanding of the implications of the knowledge.
2.9
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is the administration of the
antiretroviral medication to a person who has been exposed to
HIV to prevent transmission of the disease. This is simply a
service to assist a person who has been sexually assaulted.
2.10
HIV testing means the taking of blood for the purpose of
conducting an assessment of the presence of HIV antibodies.
2.11
Unfair discrimination has reference to any direct or indirect
discrimination against anyone or one or more but not exclusive to
the grounds listed in the constitution of Zimbabwe (i.e. race,
gender, sex pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social )
2.12
Universal precautions are standardized infection control and
prevention measures, which limit the potential for the
transmission of HIV from one person to another through contact
with potentially infected materials
2.13
MSU.Com HIV/AIDS means Midlands State University Committee on
HIV/AIDS. The University committee on HIV/AIDS through its
Executive Committee is the consultative, representative oversight
body whose functions among many includes:
Overseeing and monitoring the implementation of the AIDS Plan;
Advising the Midlands State University AIDS Programme on
strategic issues;
Assisting the University AIDS programme in raising funds;
and providing leadership for campus HIV/AIDS-related activities.
The MSU committee on HIV/AIDS will continually update the AIDS
plan in the light of new information and discoveries; Review new
findings; and provide recommendations to the University for
update of the policy implementation.
2.14
Pandemic means the existence of a disease in almost all of a
group of people causing a sense of hopelessness.
2.15
Endemic means the constant presence of a disease in a given
geographic area or within a given population. It may also refer to
a disease that is usually present at a relatively high prevalence
and incident rate in comparison with other areas or population.
2.16
Epidemiology refers to the study of the occurrence, distribution
and determining factors associated with health events and
diseases in a population.
2.17
Health is “the state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.
2.0
2.18
Health Promotion is the process of enabling people to increase
control over and to improve their health. Action directed towards
changing social, environmental and economic conditions so as to
alleviate their impact on public and individual health.
2.19
Attitudes means the broad domain of social norms, ethics, morals,
values, rights, culture, tradition, spiritually and religion, and
feelings about self and others.
2.20
Knowledge and Information are terms used interchangeably.
Knowledge refers to the state or condition of understanding that
fact or subject and being able to apply it. Information may
describe what is communicated about a particular fact or subject.
2.21
Community Based Organization is a locally based service
Organisation that provides social services at the community level.
2.22
For more definitions, refer to Appendix IV Glossary of terms of the
National HIV/AIDS Policy of the Republic of Zimbabwe
(pp 46-48)
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
The University takes cognizance of the existing legislation within
Zimbabwe pertaining to HIV/AIDS. It is within the parameters of this
legislation that this policy shall be applied.
This legislation includes among others:
3.1
Education Act (Chap 25:04)
3.2
Guardianship Of Minors Act (Chap 5:08)
3.3
Customary Marriages Act (Chap 5:07)
3.4
Miscellaneous Offences Act (Chap 9:15)
3.5
Labour Relations Act (Chap 28:01)
3.6
Traditional Medical Practitioners Act (Chap 27:14)
3.7
Public Health Act (Chap 15:09)
3.8
Occupational Health (Chap TBA)
3.9
MSU ACT No. 4 (1999)
3.10
Relevant Statutory Instruments
4.0. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS
4.1
There are numerous ways in which students, staff and/or contract
staff could be exposed to HIV on campus. These include:
4.1.1 Injuries that occur resulting in bleeding and blood staining
of clothes, tools and objects.
4.1.2 Health care and laboratory workers exposed to body fluids
of patients of or HIV-infected material.
4.1.3 Resuscitation and first aid measures.
4.1.4 Labour /delivery that starts on campus.
4.1.5 Sports injuries, especially in contact sports.
4.1.6 Rape or sexual penetration assault.
4.1.7 Assault with sharp instruments (laceration or penetration)
or bleeding injuries.
4.1.8 Incorrect disposal of sharps.
4.2
MSU will provide information to all staff and students through
print and electronic resources within departments/faculties
regarding description of Universal precautions to be utilized in the
event of blood or bloody fluids spillages
4.3
As a precaution, staff and students will be encouraged to handle
all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infected, in order that no
person is suspicious of being singled, stigmatized and/or
discriminated against and in order that all person handling such
blood and/or bodily fluids are protected.
4.4
General measures to prevent exposure:
4.4.1 The most effective way of preventing infection remains the
prevention of percutaneous or muco-cutaneous exposure.
All bloody and body fluids should be treated as potentially
infective. In the health care, emergency response or first
aid setting, there should be an adequate supply of the
appropriate gloves, masks, protective clothing and eye
care. First aid boxes must be provided in all faculties,
departments, halls of residences and other essential
buildings on campus and should include among other
things; bleach and latex gloves.
4.5
Universal precautions include:
4.5.1 The appropriate barrier methods such as gloves, masks,
gowns, and eye protection.
4.5.2 Washing hands and other surfaces regularly and properly
with soap and/or strong disinfectant/bleach for 30 minutes
or more.
4.5.3 The discriminate use of mouth-to mouth resuscitation and
always with mouth-pierce, disposable airway equipment
and resuscitation bags or similar devices.
4.5.4 Health care and laboratory workers with wet or moist
lesions or weeping dermatitis should have them covered at
all times and preferably not work with patients/hazardous
materials.
4.5.5 The use of needles and sharp disposal units and/or special
syringes to minimize the risk of sharp objects exposure.
4.5.6 Allowing superficial wounds to bleed freely initially, and
subsequent washing with soap and water.
4.5.7 Students and staff are advised to report all accidents
involving exposure to blood or body fluids including needle
sticks and cut, or splash to eye, nose and mouth, to the
campus health services.
4.5.8 Reporting must be done within 2 to 12 hours (accepting
that first aid management has been implemented
immediately after injury/exposure).
4.6
Body fluids to which universal precautions apply include:
4.6.1 Blood or any body fluids containing visible blood
4.6.2 Semen
4.6.3 Vaginal secretions
4.6.4 Amniotic fluids
4.6.5 Synovial (joint) fluid
4.6.6 Cerebrospinal, peritoneal and pericardial fluid.
4.7
For most other body fluids, including breast milk, saliva and
endotracheal secretions, the minimum requirements include the
use of gloves and the washing of hands- except if visible
contamination with blood is present.
4.8
The following minimum precautions should be taken when
treating an injured and bleeding student or employee,
regardless of whether or not the person is known to be
HIV/AIDS-positive.
4.8.1 Disposable rubber gloves and plastic aprons must be won
when attending to bleeding injuries and for handling tools,
Clothing and objects that are blood stained.
4.8.2 Bloodstained tools, clothing and objects can be sterilized
against HIV/AIDS with boiling water, or a 2:1 mixture of
water and household bleach. Bleach should be available
and accessible at all times.
4.8.3 First aid attendants must wash their hands and any exposed
skin with a disinfectant soap after treating injured students
or –co-workers.
4.8.4 Special disposable bins should be used for the disposal of
all bloodstained products.
5.0
HIV TESTING, COUNSELLING AND DISCLOSURE
5.1
HIV Testing
5.1.1 The University endorses informed consent for individual
testing, accompanied by confidential and appropriate pre
and post counseling, and encourages both employees and
students to be aware of their HIV status so that they can
make appropriate health decisions for themselves.
5.1.2 The University will engage trained personnel in the area of
HIV testing to conduct HIV testing.
5.1.3 The University will ensure that testing and counseling on
campus or some designated centre will remain voluntary
and confidential.
5.1.4 The University recognizes that voluntary counseling and
testing has proven to be one of the early and effective
factors of behavior change.
5.2
Confidentiality
5.2.1 The University shall not disclose specific information
relating to the known or perceived HIV/AIDS status of staff
members or students of the University without that staff
member or student’s informed consent, and permission.
The University will assist in ensuring that confidentiality is
protected.
5.2.2 Records of staff and students HIV/AIDS status should be
kept confidential
5.2.3 All staff and students of the University have the legal right
to confidentiality about their HIV/AIDS status, except in
circumstances where legally otherwise indicated. Any
breach of confidentiality, unless legally indicated will
justify the instigation of displinary proceedings against the
person who was in breach of that confidence.
5.3
Disclosure
5.3.1 No staff or students is compelled to disclose his/her HIV
status to the University
5.3.2 Voluntary disclosure of HIV/AIDS status should be
welcomed.
HIV/AIDS infected individuals should take
responsibility for monitoring their own health and obtaining
medical advise.
5.3.3 Disclosure to 3rd parties may only be authorized by the
written informed consent of the staff member or student.
6.0
PROVISION OF PREVENTION, COUNSELLING, CARE AND SUPPORT
SERVICES ON AND OFF CAMPUS.
6.1
Prevention
6.1.1 All risks of transmission of HIV/AIDS shall be observed and
the University will take appropriate measures wherever
possible in order to minimize the exposure of staff and
students and members of the public who have contact with
the University or who participate in University activities.
6.1.2 Where possible appropriate post exposure prophylactics
shall be available for specific incidents of HIV/AIDS
exposure to staff and students at accessible venues on
campus.
6.1.3 Programmes shall be developed to deal with risk reduction
and prevention
6.1.4 Any new methods and materials acquired for training and
education to facilitate prevention, will be communicated
to staff and students at the University.
6.1.5 Both male and female condoms shall be freely available to
all staff and students in easily accessible locations.
6.1.6 Adequately equipped First Aid resources shall be easily
accessible in halls of residences and the campus health
services
6.2
Counseling
6.2.1 All staff and students shall have access to testing and
counseling related to HIV/AIDS on voluntary confidential
basis by the university during normal working hours.
6.2.2 Counseling on campus to be provided free of charge by
professionally trained personnel and by trained peer
counselors, supervised by profession staff.
6.2.3 The University will ensure that all records connected with
counseling and support services are confidential.
6.3
Care
6.3.1 All students living with HIV/AIDS will be treated in a just,
Humane and life-affirming way.
6.3.2 No student may refuse to study with or to be housed with
Student(s) living with HIV and AIDS.
6.3.3 Any unfair discrimination or prejudice will be dealt with
and appropriate disciplinary steps taken.
6.3.4 Should the student become too ill to continue to study
he/she will be treated in the same way as students with
other comparable illnesses.
6.3.5 No student may use his/her HIV status reason to fail to
perform work, complete assignments, attend lecturers, or
write examinations. Exception shall be considered only on
professional medical and legal advice.
6.3.6 HIV/AIDS status may not be used to evade Midlands State
University rules and regulations. Standard disciplinary
procedures will apply for infringement of University rules,
regardless of HIV/AIDS status.
6.3.7 Midlands State University will ensure that University staff
recognizes the need to deal compassionately with all those
affected by the disease.
6.3.8 Care providers on campus will include:
6.3.8.1
University Health Services Staff,
6.3.8.2
Sessional Doctor,
6.3.8.3
Chaplaincy Office,
6.3.8.4
Faculty and Departmental Counsellors and
6.3.8.5
Peer Educators/Counsellors.
6.3.9 Care providers off campus will include:
6.3.9.1
Municipal Clinics and Health Centres
6.3.9.2
Hospitals
6.3.9.3
Medical Practitioners
6.3.9.4
AIDS Support Organizations
6.4
6.3.9.5
Religious and Christian Groups
6.3.9.6
NGO’S
6.3.9.7
Traditional Healers
Support for grief and bereavement for both staff and students
6.4.1 University staff funeral fund will be continuously reviewed to
cater for transport costs to and from funerals.
6.4.2 Students will be encouraged to contribute towards a bereavement
fund to be used by the students themselves when a fellow student
and/or biological parents die.
6.4.3 The University will establish grief and bereavement support
groups for both students and staff.
6.4.4 The University will conduct memorial services for the bereaved
members of staff and students.
6.4.5 The University will encourage the writing of memorial books.
6.4.6 The University will continue offering confidential supportive
counseling including bereavement to both staff members and
families and students.
6.4.7 The University will offer support to the infected and affected
staff and students.
6.4.8 Referral to appropriate professionals, institution and/or
organizations in the community will be made for further
management.
6.4.9 Training and refresher courses will be organized as means of
support to personnel who deal with HIV/AIDS programmes.
7.0
RESPONSIBILITIES OF STAFF AND STUDENTS
7.0.1 The responsibility of both staff and students is in accordance with
the national HIV/AIDS policy of the Republic of Zimbabwe and
relevant legislation as outlined in #3 above (Legal Framework).
7.0.2 Students and staff with HIV/AIDS have responsibility to minimize
further infections or transmission by taking appropriate
precautions.
7.0.3 Individuals are encouraged to seek medical advice and ensure
proper medical care and knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
7.0.4 The University will ensure that staff and students are educated
about the nature of HIV infection and the precaution that can be
taken to reduce infection.
7.0.5 The University will make the HIV/AIDS policy known to both staff
and students.
7.0.6 Disciplinary action will be taken by the University authority upon
receiving a formal grievance pertaining to unfair discrimination
based on HIV/AIDS status.
7.0.7 The University ensures that HIV/AIDS cases will be treated in a
way that protects the rights of all persons infected or affected by
HIV/AIDS.
7.1
7.0.8 Staff and students affected or infected by the HIV/AIDS are
encouraged to lead a full life and should not be denied, directly
or indirectly opportunities to maximize their ability professionally
or academically.
Staff
7.1.1 Midlands State University rejects forced HIV testing of all
members of staff (existing and prospective)
7.1.2 No member of staff is forced to disclose his/her HIV status,
although disclosure is encouraged.
7.1.3 No employment contract will be terminated on account of
HIV/AIDS status.
7.1.4 Known or perceived HIV/AIDS status shall not be considered in:7.1.4.1
dismissing a staff member or renewal of a staff member’s
employment contract.
7.1.4.2
the awarding of financial aid or staff loans where
applicable.
7.2
7.1.4.3
respect of staff training and development
7.1.4.4
respect of promotions of staff members.
Students
7.2.1 The university rejects the forced HIV testing of prospective or
returning students for the determination of admission or
readmission.
7.2.2 Students with HIV/AIDS are expected to attend classes in
accordance with MSU rules and regulations for as long as they are
able to do so effectively.
7.2.3 Students with HIV/AIDS should not be barred from attending
lecturers, living in residences being on campus or being involved
in campus activities.
8.0
INTERGRATION OF HIV/AIDS
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
INTO
TEACHING,
RESEARCH
AND
Midlands State University strives to disseminate information on STI/HIV
AIDS through teaching, research and community engagement.
All students and staff members have the absolute right to clear and
accurate information, education and communication on STI/HIV/AIDS.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) on HIV/AIDS should
address and promote a positive learning environment which nurtures the
cultural values through appropriate language and approach, for
students, staff and the wider University community.
The development of information, education and communication
materials should be based on participatory methods involving all
students, staff and wider University community. Student development
programmes (i.e talk shows, drama, peer education) should be utilized,
promote awareness, on STIs/HIV/AIDS.
8.1
Teaching
Faculties and departments are required to intergrate STIs/HIV/AIDS into
the Curriculum at both Undergraduate and Post Graduate levels and this
will be examined. In addition, all students will receive training which
will empower them to manage and address STIs/HIV/AIDS in the world or
work and in society as a whole.
8.1.1 All staff and students shall have access to HIV/AIDS
education and awareness programs. These programmes
will provide information and teach the skills necessary for
members of the University to prevent themselves and
others from becoming infected, combat discrimination and
stigma. Such programs should also guide staff and students
on how to leave work and interact with people living with
HIV/AIDS.
8.2
Research
The University is committed to undertaking extensive, empirical and
operational public health by-medical and social science research on
HIV/AIDS. The University research committee will develop a policy to
establish a variety of incentives and forums to promote research on
HIV/AIDS within and across faculties and at Inter University levels.
8.3
Community Engagement
Community engagement forms part of the mission statement of the
University and the introduction of such programmes must be conducted
with the aim of synergizing teaching, research and learning related to
STIs/HIV/AIDS within the contextual society. This forms part of the
University community outreach programmes.
8.3.1 Midlands State University commits itself to forming partnerships
with governmental and non-governmental organization as well as
the private sector for the implementation of its STIs/HIV/AIDS
programmes.
9.0
EVALUATION, MONITORING AND IMPLEMENTATION
The University will ensure that HIV/AIDS policy remains current,
effective and ongoing process.
New understandings of medical
epidemiology, legal, economic and other pertinent aspects of HIV/AIDS
will regularly be taken into consideration in order to further refine and
develop this policy. The University HIV/AIDS committee will be
responsible for among other things the designing of instruments for
monitoring, evaluating and reviewing the policy.
The University will use several evaluation approaches like Process,
impact, and summative during the formulation and implementation
stages. The following instruments will also be used; questionnaires,
observations, focus group discussions and interviews.
10.0 MSU HIV/AIDS Committee
The University will establish an HIV/AIDS committee whose composition
shall be as follows;
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One Chairperson (appointed by Management)
One Council representative
Two Faculty Deans representatives
One Executive Dean of Students
Six Faculty representatives
All Student Affairs Heads of Departments one of who shall be
Secretary.
Student Health Services (All Senior Sisters and Sessional doctor)
Three Wardens representatives
Two SRC members
Two Sub wardens
Two Peer Educators
Two Campus Christian Associations
Two from the Co-operate world
One HIV/AIDS Coordinator
One Administrators representative
Two Community Representative