Rolene Strauss shares "deeply personal" HIV story
"I can still remember all the questions running through my head at the time," Rolene Strauss said about her HIV scare...
Miss South Africa 2014 Rolene Strauss has shared a deeply personal story about how she was exposed to HIV while treating a patient.
The 32-year-old opened up about the scare in a post she shared on Instagram.
"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 revealed.
Rolene, who is expecting her third child with her husband, Daniel Strauss, says she took medication to prevent HIV but still had many questions about the exposure.
"I was breastfeeding at the time and had to go on post-exposure prophylaxis. I can still remember all the questions (even as a medical student) running through my head at the time…"
The former Miss World winner is one of several local celebrities who have joined the #ForeverWena campaign.
The campaign hopes to reshape the conversation around HIV, especially among the youth. Cassper Nyovest, Unathi, and well-known OB-Gynae-Sexologist Dr Mpume Zenda have also put the initiative in the spotlight.
#ForeverWena is in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Rolene says that being part of the campaign feels like a duty.
"As a mother, I understand the crucial link between maternal and child health! 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."
Dr Rolene Strauss
Rolene is a qualified medical doctor. In 2017, she obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of the Free State.
She took a break from her studies during her reign as Miss World 2014, but returned soon after.
"I believe my passion for health was born with me. My love for health and medicine is what got me back to studying. There were so many opportunities to be explored after my year as Miss World, but I wouldn’t have been ‘Rolene’ if I didn’t finish my medical studies. I have absolutely no regrets," she said after obtaining her degree.
She was inspired to study medicine after high school because of her father, Dr Hennie Strauss.
Rolene has since changed careers, but her passion for the well-being of others remains.
She obtained her Master’s Degree in Philosophy and Management Coaching (Cum Laude) from the University of Stellenbosch Business School in 2022.
"I see my role as a coach as creating a safe space where you can gain awareness of assumptions or perceptions which stand in the way of tapping into your true, authentic self," the self-confidence coach said on her website.
ALSO READ: Five celebrities who are qualified medical doctors
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Main image credit: Instagram/@rolenestrauss