Opinion – HIV education in schools critical to ending the diseaseBy Nickosha DeNobrega, PANCAP Coordinating Unit
While the home is a fundamental institution for educating young people, particularly teenagers, of the devastating effects of HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), schools also play an equally important role since it is believed that in addition to the family, schools are the primary places responsible for the development of young people.
For this reason, health education should be seen as a significant step towards preventing the spread of HIV and other STIs, and therefore should be universally integrated into all educational systems.
To embark on this venture, an excellent first approach is to ask students what they already know about STIs. This would allow educators to identify any inaccurate information young people may have and provide an opportunity for introducing age appropriate education.
WHAT IS PANCAP?
PANCAP is a Caribbean regional partnership of governments, regional civil society organisations, regional institutions and organisations, bilateral and multilateral agencies and contributing donor partners established on 14 February 2001. PANCAP provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, and coordinates the response through the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS to maximise efficient use of resources and increase impact, mobilise resources and build the capacity of partners.
What are the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026 targets and commitments?
If targets and commitments in the strategy are achieved:
- The number of people who newly acquire HIV will decrease from 1.7 million in 2019 to less than 370 000 by 2025
- The number of people dying from AIDS-related illnesses will decrease from 690 000 in 2019 to less than 250 000 in 2025.
- The goal of eliminating new HIV infections among children will see the number of new HIV infections drop from 150,000 in 2019 to less than 22,000 in 2025.
What are the 95-95-95 Targets for ending AIDS?
- 95% of People Living with HIV know their HIV status;
- 95% of people who know their status on treatment; and
- 95% of people on treatment with suppressed viral loads.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026, End Inequalities, End AIDS
https://pancap.org/pancap-documents/global-aids-strategy-2021-2026-end-inequalities-end-aids/
Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS (CRSF) 2019-2025
https://pancap.org/pancap-documents/caribbean-regional-strategic-framework-2019-2025/