Earlier today, the University’s “First Things First” health and wellness campaign got underway.

Leading from the front were Vice-Chancellor and Principal Yunus Ballim and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Jean Baxen who underwent testing as the day kicked off.

SPU DVC Prof Jean Baxen is all smiles as she gets her test underway

“First Things First” allows students and staff to test, free of charge, for some of the leading diseases facing today’s population.

Tests conducted at SPU included:

  • HIV testing and counselling
  • Blood pressure testing
  • Blood glucose testing
  • Condom demonstrations
  • Condom distribution.

The programme, launched in 2007 by the Department of Higher Education and Training, has established itself as one of the leading programmes and has seen much success in terms of uptake.

The programme aims at ensuring that taking care of one’s health is the first priority of every South African. This programme is implemented in the university and TVET college sectors.

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