|
How ignorance fuels HIV/Aids scourge in Mbeya
2006-03-06 10:57:38
By Deogratius Kiduduye, PST Mbeya
HIV/Aids education and awareness on the pandemic in some parts of Mbeya Region remains dismal almost a quarter of a century after HIV was identified as the virus causing Aids, according to the 2005 School Health Education Programme (Shep) report.
The report, released in Mbeya yesterday, reveals that ignorance in some parts of Ileje and Mbarali districts continue to fuel the spread of the pandemic.
Ignorance in the districts is such that some people believe that HIV/Aids is spread by certain types of fertilizers and cooking oil which are avoided at any cost.
The report further reveals that some people in rural parts of Mbeya Region do not believe that Aids exists and maintain that those suffering from Aids-related illnesses have been bewitched, adding that this misconception fuels the spread of HIV/Aids.
The Shep report gives an overview of the implementation of the programme in 2005, indicating an increase in its activities in the region both in number and quality.
A total of 3,074 separate HIV/Aids and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) activities took place in 29 schools.
The activities included classroom lessons on HIV/Aids, formation of ASRH clubs, education trips, inter-schools competitions, formation of Community Youth Development Centres, ASRH seminars for teachers, ward forums and extra-curricular activities like sports, drama and debate.
Other activities were formation of Community Action Groups (CAG), community seminars, primary health days, the District Youth Forum and the Mbeya Municipal Candlelight Memorial Day to be held on May.
Shep is a volunteer-led programme with a priority objective of reducing HIV infections and incidences of other ASRH by placing young people in rural schools and communities at the forefront of HIV/Aids education, advocacy and campaigning to enable them make informed choice regarding their sexual behaviour and health.
|
