Winfrey offers students HIV tests

Winfrey insists her students will not be forced to take an HIV test

US chat show host Oprah Winfrey has offered the students at her new school in South Africa free HIV tests and treatment if it is needed.

To set an example, the 53-year-old underwent an HIV test herself.

Winfrey, who set up the academy to educate children from poor families, said: "Today I have taken the test to demonstrate why it's so important."

It is thought about 950 people died per day in South Africa last year from Aids-related diseases.

Pandemic

The Actuarial Society of South Africa and the Medical Research Council warn that fewer than half of 15-year-olds will live to see their 60th birthday because of the pandemic.

Many of the girls at Winfrey's school come from families affected by Aids. The star insists no student would be forced to take a test.

Film director Spike Lee, singer Tina Turner and former South African President Nelson Mandela, attended a ceremony last week which officially opened the school.

Winfrey, who herself had an impoverished childhood, plans to build a house on the campus so she can monitor the girls' progress.