More call for HIV lessons in schools

Going back to the 1980s, the federal government has been spending money to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS. For most of that time, the effort excluded state and local programs to provide drug users with clean syringes -- even though study after study proved they were highly effective.


Given the choice of using dirty needles to inject drugs or using sterile ones, addicts generally prefer the latter. And every one who makes that choice cuts off an avenue for the transmission of the AIDS virus. These programs curb the epidemic without stimulating more drug use. They also protect unwitting innocents whose sexual partners might contract the virus through contaminated syringes.


The evidence is not really in dispute. The National Institutes of Health Consensus Panel on HIV Prevention has said, "An impressive body of evidence suggests powerful effects from needle exchange programs....Studies show reduction in risk behavior as high as 80%, with estimates of a 30% or greater reduction of HIV in IDUs (intravenous drug users)." It also concluded they are cost effective.


Currently Zambia’s new infection rate stands at 82,000 cases every year despite the prevalence rate dropping from 16.1 percent to 14.3 percent five years ago.
Ms Mundia said HIV and AIDS education for young people plays a vital role even in global efforts to end the AIDS epidemic.
“Despite the fact that HIV transmission can be prevented, each year, hundreds of thousands of young people become infected with the virus. Globally, in 2009 alone, there were 890,000 new HIV infections amongst young people aged 15 to 24. A thing that could be avoided if HIV and AIDS lessons were introduced early like at the age of 10 or better still below,” Ms Mundia said.
And National AIDS Council board chairperson Joshua Banda, said the suggestion to introduce HIV/AIDS as a subject in primary schools will be tabled before the Ministry of Education.
Bishop Banda said providing young people with basic AIDS education enables them to protect themselves from becoming infected.
“Young people are often particularly vulnerable to sexually transmitted HIV, and to HIV infection as a result of drug-use. Acquiring knowledge and skills encourages young people to avoid or reduce behaviours that carry a risk of HIV infection.
“Even for young people who are not yet engaging in risky behaviours, AIDS education is important for ensuring that they are prepared for situations that will put them at risk as they grow older,” Bishop Banda said.
And Zambia Disability HIV/AIDS and Human Rights programme director Elijah Ngwale also was in support of the suggestion, saying high illiteracy levels among pupils in school has contributed to the increased infection rate.
Mr Ngwale said AIDS education also helps to reduce stigma and discrimination, by dispelling false information that can lead to fear and blame.
“This is crucial for prevention, as stigma often makes people reluctant to be tested for HIV and individuals that are unaware of their HIV infection are more likely to pass the virus on to others,” he said.
Mr Ngwale said educating young people about HIV and AIDS necessitates discussions about sensitive subjects such as sex and drug use. “Many people believe that it is inappropriate to talk to young people about these subjects and fear that doing so will encourage young people to indulge in risky behaviours. Such attitudes are often based on moral or religious views rather than evidence, and severely limit AIDS education around the world,” he said.
He said substantial evidence shows that educating young people about safer sex and the importance of using condoms does not lead to increases in sexual activity.
Most delegates suggested that the HIV and AIDS lessons be included in the primary school curriculum so that pupils start learning about HIV and AIDS as early as grade four when they are ten years or slightly younger.