Miss World Rolene Strauss opens up about using HIV treatment
Updated | By Breakfast with Martin Bester
The former Miss World recently shared her personal story on social media.
Once one of the scariest viruses known to humanity, HIV has become a manageable virus with many ways to prevent infection and its spread.
However, there is still a lot of social stigma around the virus, and for those being diagnosed or living with HIV, it remains a difficult thing to adjust to.
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In a recent Instagram post, former Miss World Rolene Strauss shared a deeply personal story about coming in contact with the virus.
"After the birth of our first son back in 2017, I was completing my medical studies and was exposed to HIV while treating a patient at a hospital during my call one evening," she wrote.
Strauss recalled that she was breastfeeding at the time and had to go on post-exposure prophylaxis.
Post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP means taking HIV medicines within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent HIV.
The word "prophylaxis" means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease.
She confessed that even as a doctor, she had many questions running through her head regarding the exposure and treatment.
As part of her Instagram post, she also wrote about her involvement with the #ForeverWena campaign, hoping to educate her followers about HIV and sexual health.
#ForeverWena is a support system and info hub that assists people in taking charge of their sexual health.
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"Whatever your preferences, we're here to back you up - no strings attached, just a helping hand on the journey towards a safer and healthier you," states the official website.
"As a mother, I understand the crucial link between maternal and child health," wrote Strauss.
"Protecting yourself is paramount in motherhood."
If you have any HIV-related questions, reach out to the ForeverWena WhatsApp chatbot here: +27 84 952 6152.
Because in the realm of motherhood, knowledge truly is power, and together, we can ensure a future where every child is born into a world of health and possibility.
Sources:
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Image: Instagram/ Rolene Strauss
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