HIV/AIDS Policy: Youth With A Mission has an international AIDS/HIV Policy which is available upon request from your school leader. As a base it is our intention and heart to treat everyone fairly and equally and not to discriminate. 

In South Africa we have an epidemic in regards to HIV impacting on all spheres of life, with the current statistic being 1 in every 4 people is infected with the HIV virus. 

As mentioned in our international policy as a base we are likely to receive students and staff that have been infected either due to exposure prior to joining YWAM or through working in high-risk areas of ministry with YWAM. 


In South Africa the following are some of the legal aspects pertaining to HIV: 

  • HIV Positive people do not have to declare their status. 

  • It is against the law for any other person whether HIV Positive or not to declare the status of an HIV Positive person to someone else unless prior consent has been obtained. 

  • It is unfair and illegal to discriminate against those that are HIV Positive. It is also unjust in the sight of our Lord and does not please His heart with any form of discrimination. 

  • For those who are HIV Positive it would be appreciated, even though not expected or or insisted upon, for the Eldership of the base to be informed as this would help us to serve them beWer. 

  • Please note that the choice is theirs and we do not desire to place anyone under any pressure or anxiety in this regard. 

How is the HIV virus spread or contracted: 

  • The virus is spread through bodily fluids. 

  • By cuts or wounds where some blood might be exposed. 

  • Blister fluid and pus are also blood products and do contain the virus. 

The HIV Virus is NOT spread in the following ways: 

  • By hugging. 

  • By sharing of eating utensils such as mugs, cups, plates knives and forks etc. 

  • By sharing of bathrooms, toilets etc. 

  • Mosquito bites or any other insect bite. 

We believe another person’s blood is sacred and should be handled as such. If we come across a situation where we might have to assist someone where blood is involved, for the wellbeing of both the positive and negative HIV person please let us take the following precautions such as: 

  • Covering our hands with latex gloves. 

  • Letting the person cover their own wound with a tissue or cloth. 

If you have any further questions, email our Training team: training@ywammuizenberg.org