South Africa: HIV/AIDS Rate Increasing Among Western Cape Pupils

HIV-infection rates among high school students in the Western Cape are rising steadily, said Education Minister André Gaum. Department statistics show a marked increase of HIV/AIDS infections from 4.9 percent to 6.1 percent among youths under age 20 from 2000-2001. Statistics for 2002-2003 are not yet available.

In response to the increase, the provincial education department has appointed a team of HIV/AIDS program coordinators to ensure youth are educated about the epidemic. "The 16 new posts provided specifically for the implementation of HIV/AIDS programs are significant," said Gaum, adding that they are part of the department's broader strategy to fight the disease.

The team of coordinators will use their backgrounds in AIDS education to help teachers teach HIV/AIDS awareness, which will be offered in life skills classes. Coordinators and field workers will focus on ensuring the program is fully integrated into the curriculum for all grade levels. "We want to promote awareness of the epidemic in school and communities across the province," Gaum added.

Gaum also said there is a need for human resource planning due to the potential loss or absence of teachers because of the epidemic. Whether teachers themselves are ill or have family members needing care, HIV/AIDS can negatively affect the education system.

The new posts are divided between the curriculum division of the Western Cape Education Department and the seven district offices. Two coordinators will be appointed to the curriculum division; eight to metropolitan Cape Town; and two each to the Winelands/West Coast area -- Overberg/Breede and South Cape/Karoo education district offices.

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