Title: The role of educational institutions in combating HIV/AIDS in Africa

Authors: Kunirum Osia

Addresses: Maryland State Department of Education, 2301 Argonne Drive, Suite A-304, Baltimore, MD 21216, USA

Abstract: The rate and number of HIV/AIDS infection in Africa is alarming and worsening. The design of effective prevention strategies hinges on an understanding of the multifaceted causes of the pandemic, or its regional epidemic. On this score, the role of educational institutions becomes imperative. This paper will examine available data to guage the enormity and urgency of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa. The investigation will be country-specific to find out what efforts are being made to curb the spread of the HIV/AIDS. The following countries will be examined: Botswana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Greater emphasis will be placed on the youth who appear to be much more vulnerable than adults. This paper argues that appropriate education about HIV/AIDS will be required to assist in the control of the epidemic. It further argues that educational institutions would provide important and indispensable forums for conveying norms and societal values that encourage young people to avoid taking risks that make them vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS; seroprevalence; human health; Africa; NEPAD; educational institutions; HIV; AIDS; education; prevention strategies; Botswana; Ethiopia; Nigeria; South Africa; Tanzania; Zimbabwe; young people; schools; universities; colleges.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2005.007688

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2005 Vol.2 No.3/4, pp.277 - 289

Published online: 02 Sep 2005 *

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