Miss World: Rolene Strauss opens up about her HIV treatment

SOUTH AFRICA – The former Miss World recently shared her personal story on Instagram. 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.

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.”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.

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.