HIV/AIDS education news

Newsflashes

• Menstrual hygiene in young girls
  (2 June 2014)
  Menstruation is a normal physiological occurrence in young girls; however, it is still considered a taboo topic of discussion among certain cultures, which results in lack of awareness among young women about their own bodies. A community study in Ghana found that 68% of girls knew nothing about menstruation when they started their periods. Many girls do not have access to sanitary towels, running water, and toilets and often experience stigma, pain and embarrassment when they have their periods. Girls sometimes revert to re-using dirty towels often leading to reproductive tract infections and skin irritations. It is therefore vital to teach these young girls about their menstrual hygiene. Read more.

• Youth helping to end sexual violence in conflict
  (27 May 2014)
  The London Foreign and Commonwealth Office, has a global open youth consultation linked to the Ending of Sexual Violence in Conflict Global Summit. They invite young people to complete an online survey on their views how to end sexual violence. Educators can discuss sexual violence in the classroom after which each learner can complete and submit the online survey. Read the details.

• Teaching the youth about sex
  (19 May 2014)
  Young people want to know about sex. The Interagency Youth Working Group provides comprehensive sex education materials for young people and can be used in the classroom. It includes topics such as abstinence, body image, contraception, gender, human growth and development, relationships etc. It is vital to inform our young people about sexual and reproductive health, so that when the time comes, they are able to make responsible informed decisions. Read more.

• The Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Indaba
  (12 May 2014)
  The RMNCAH Indaba took place at the Royal Swazi Sun Convention Centre during 5-7 May 2014 in Swaziland. Its objective was to share the progress in meeting targets and raise visibility on related issues. The Indaba dedicated one day to adolescent sexual and reproductive health. SAfAIDS used this opportunity to raise awareness, teach the youth life skills and the significance of condom usage. Read more.

• Religion and risk-taking behaviour
  (6 May 2014)
  Young people in sub-Saharan Africa is in the epicenter of the HIV epidemic. The attribution to their vulnerability towards to the disease is multifaceted, with contributing factors such as risky sexual behavior, economic factors as well as religion. This article assesses the impact that religion has on the youth’s sexual risk-taking behaviour. Read more.

• HIV stories told by adolescents
  (29 April 2014)
  AVERT offer a selection of personal stories related to HIV/AIDS as told by young people from around the world. These stories are very helpful to elicit classroom discussion. Read more.

• Computerised counseling to reduce HIV-viral load
  (22 April 2014)
  To increase adherence to ARV treatment, researchers from the New York University Centre for Drug Use and HIV Research at the NYU College of Nursing, USA, demonstrated that by using a computer-based model for online counselling, they could promote positive behavioural change. The intervention focused on the confidence, motivations and knowledge of the individuals. After nine months, participants had a decreased viral load, better ART adherence and decreased risk of transmission. .

• Resource document: Adolescents living with HIV and AIDS
  (19 April 2014)
  The Interagency Youth Working Group developed a five-page document entitled “Resources for Adolescents Living with HIV”, containing links to eToolkits for adolescents living with HIV. It further included links to a manual for providers on youth HIV-testing and counseling, guidelines for healthcare workers on caring for adolescents living with HIV, as well as a link to a module on the psychosocial aspects of HIV/AIDS in children and adolescents. Read more.
  

Fast facts

• Did you know that schools can be a primary source of information about HIV–prevention methods? The Global campaign for education suggested that if each child received a complete primary school education, the economic impact of HIV/AIDS could be reduced by 700 000 cases per year. Read more. (30 September 2013)

• Global situation and trends
  

News items on sexual violence

• Read more about the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI)

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Last updated: 2 June, 2014