COVID-19 RESPONSE TASK TEAM

Durban University of Technology

P O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South

Africa

Tel: +27 31 373 2223/3760

Email: covid-enquiries@dut.ac.za

www.dut.ac.za
29 November 2023

Dear Staff and Students

November health update

The COVID-19 Response Task Team would like to shine a spotlight on two major issues this
month.

From 25 November to 10 December, South Africa is observing 16 Days of Activism for No

Violence Against Women and Children. The end of this annual campaign coincides with
International Human Rights Day, marking the anniversary of the United Nations Assembly's
adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The COVID-19 Response Task Team strongly supports the fight against gender-based
violence and the scourge of child abuse and neglect. DUT’s Student Counselling and Health
unit offers counselling to assist those in need. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Someone
is ready to offer you support.

Every year, the world commemorates World AIDS Day on 1 December. The theme this year
is Remember and Commit. On this day each year, we remember the global struggle to end
HIV/AIDS-related stigma, honour those we have lost, and re-commit ourselves to working
towards a day when HIV/AIDS is no longer a public health threat.

While significant progress in research and treatment has been made over the past 35 years,
the COVID-19 Response Task Team and world experts still urge caution against
complacency when it comes to HIV/AIDS. While HIV/AIDS is a treatable, chronic disease, it
requires careful management and results in significant changes to one’s life and health. DUT
offers counselling and testing, as well as linkage for treatment at its Clinics. Further support is
available at the HIV Centre. Contact hivandaids@dut.ac.za. Alternatively, contact the Clinic
at studenthealth@dut.ac.za.

To book a counselling appointment please email Counsbookingdbn@dut.ac.za between

08h00 to 16h30 from Monday to Thursday and until 15h00 on Friday during term time.
Emails sent during the early hours of the morning will not be responded to until the following
working day. Please give 48 hours for a response to your booking email.

In an emergency, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, please call one of the following emergency
services:
 • The South African Depression and Anxiety group (SADAG) offers Whatsapp support
that runs from 09h00 to 16h00. Call 0768822775 or SMS 31393/32312 and a
counsellor will call you back.
• Higher Health 24-hour toll-free mental health helpline is available on 0800 36 36 36 or
SMS 4336.

We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Yours in good health

COVID-19 RESPONSE TASK TEAM