HIVAN (HIV and AIDS Network) PDF Print E-mail

Contact person: Mrs Debbie Heustice
Tel: 031 260 3334
Fax: 031 260 2013
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.hivan.org.za
Address: Public Affairs Annex, 232 King George Avenue, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban

HIVAN was established by the University of KwaZulu-Natal to promote, conduct, and build capacity for research into ways to help people affected and infected by HIV and AIDS. By focusing research projects on the immediate needs and problems of communities, HIVAN strives to improve the quality of prevention, care and treatment programmes provided by both the government and NPOs.

HIVAN’s main research focuses include:

  •  Community-driven models and responses to HIV and AIDS
  •  Antiretroviral treatment (clinical and social implications)
  •  Vertical Transmission from mother to child
  •  Children with HIV disease


Resources and information

HIVAN has an up-to-date searchable electronic database of around 2 000 NPOs, government departments, university facilities and private organisations that are involved with the epidemic to some degree. Much of the focus is on KwaZulu-Natal organisations, but other provincial organisations are also widely represented.

The HIVAN website has information on projects and resources committed to reducing the impact of HIV and AIDS. The website is updated on a daily basis and showcases relevant news, events and developments relating to the epidemic.

HIVAN produces a dual-language (isiZulu and English) community newsletter called Sondela (‘coming closer’) that is distributed to rural communities within Kwazulu-Natal and beyond. Community organisations regularly contribute stories, articles and other information. A second popular publication is Share (an HIV and AIDS review), which promotes information-sharing and partnership development. Both newsletters are also available on-line.


HIVAN produces the following resource materials:

  •  Supporting Youth: Broadening the Approach to HIV/AIDS Prevention Programmes. Copies of this booklet can be downloaded from the HIVAN website or obtained from the HIVAN media office
  •  KZNCAN/HIVAN HIV/AIDS Directory. This directory of organisations working with HIV and AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal is done in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Church AIDS Network. The 2005 edition of this Directory has just been printed and is available from HIVAN at a cost of R15
  •  Visual educational documentary about the epidemic entitled ‘Deadly Myths?’
  • Print media archive of all the media cuttings relevant to HIV and AIDS. This represents a valuable research and documentary resource, which HIVAN intends to make available electronically