Condom use central to the AIDS response
Education International (EI) reaffirms that correct and consistent use of condoms is an integral aspect of an effective HIV prevention strategy.
More than a decade after issuing its inaugural policy on HIV and AIDS, EI continues to be committed to a model of sexual and reproductive health education which embraces all effective methods of prevention.
Based on the experience of the EFAIDS Programme implemented by over 80 unions in 50 countries, EI concurs with the recent UNAIDS statement that “an HIV prevention approach based solely on one element does not work and can hinder the AIDS response” and further agrees with the “need to use all available strategies and methods that are informed by evidence and grounded in human rights” of which “condoms are an essential part”.
EI acknowledges that the distribution of condoms alone will not stop HIV. The most effective strategy is condom promotion, accompanied by behaviour-change strategies aimed at reducing the number of sexual partners and raising awareness about safe-sex practices.
EI calls on unions to promote all available prevention methods to ensure that all members have access to the prevention method most suited to their needs and situation.
Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the region hardest hit by the AIDS crisis and is home to two-thirds of the global population of people living with HIV. According to UNAIDS estimates, 1.9 million people in the region were newly infected with HIV in 2007, bringing to 22 million the number of people living with HIV. Forty-five percent of new infections occurred in the 15 to 24 age group, with young girls at greater risk of infection than boys.
The EFAIDS Programme trains teachers about HIV/AIDS issues and encourages behaviour change and the adoption of safe-sex practices, so that teachers can not only protect themselves from HIV, but can also encourage healthy life choices amongst their students.
