South Africa: Education department enforces policy to tackle HIV/AIDS in schools

Johannesburg - The Department of Basic Education has implemented a policy to help fight challenges brought by sexually transmitted diseases in schools including HIV and AIDS, the department said.

The department said Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and the provision of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services are some of the key levers in the policy which are also recognised globally as key strategies to prevent new HIV infection amongst the youth.

"CSE is intended to offer young people with the knowledge, skills and efficacy to make informed decisions about their sexuality and lifestyles and has been identified as a game changer to accelerating HIV prevention in South Africa," Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said in a statement.

The department plans to host provincial workshops with key stakeholders to explore feasible ways in which the provisions of the policy services can best be rendered to learners, educators and support staff within the school setting. Read more via ANA