It Isn’t Lack of Drugs Preventing Us Eradicating AIDS, But Inequality

(Sequence: 9 of 10) The HIV Alert School Model is designed to incorporate HIV prevention education in the basic education curricula of schools in Ghana. Here are some samples of the materials used for the teacher and student-led pillars. Activities under each pillar reinforce each other in order to ensure that the school child acquires the information, life skills and competence to reduce his/her risks and vulnerability to HIV. The skills the children will develop are expected to equip them to deal effectively with present adolescent challenges and those of the future as adults. Although Ghana has a relatively low HIV prevalence at 1.3 per cent , only one third of adolescents aged 15-19 have comprehensive knowledge of HIV , which puts young people in this age group at high risk of HIV infection. Therefore, HIV and AIDS education in this important stage of childrenÕs life is key to reduce their vulnerability to HIV infection. To address this vulnerability, the Ghana Education Service in implementing the HIV Alert School Model in junior high schools (pupils aged 13-16) across the country. Launched in 2006, the Model was developed with the support of UNICEF and piloted in one district in Upper East region before being rolled out country-wide. The Alert Model is design to incorporate HIV education in the existing school curriculum. It seeks to mobilise teachers, school children, and the school community on HIV prevention education as an integrated package. Each group constitutes a ÔpillarÕ.