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Opinion – HIV education in schools critical to ending the diseaseBy Nickosha DeNobrega, PANCAP Coordinating Unit

July 26, 2017

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.