Early intervention : HIV/AIDS programs for school-aged youth

The programs are very different in their approach and offer a good balance of strategies. The Zambia program, implemented by Morehouse University School of Medicine, trains teens at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS to serve as volunteer peer outreach workers. It uses a holistic, lifestyle approach to HIV/AIDS prevention, with activities that provide information, income-generating skills, and social/recreational outlets. The program also raises awareness and conducts outreach activities for adults in the community. Information is disseminated through a variety of materials, some of which are prepared with help from the peer counselors. The Cameroon program (known as Teach English Prevent AIDS, or TEPA) integrates AIDS education into the standard secondary school curriculum for teaching English as a foreign language. Teachers present technical health information and coping skills to students using games, songs, interviews, role play, discussion, and demonstration. The study shows that both in-school and out-of-school settings can be effective. Successful programs build youths" self-respect. HIV/AIDS programs should resemble other community development programs in terms of approach, communication vehicles, and audience participation. Collaboration across sectors and organizations increases the potential for synergistic effects. The Zambia program has demonstrated that young teens, even high-risk youths, can be effective advocates for HIV/AIDS prevention. The program also demonstrates the importance of: a varied, holistic approach, a combination of same-sex and mixed discussion sessions; positive and close community relations; and involving the audience in both program planning and monitoring. The Cameroon program has demonstrated that with careful planning, HIV/AIDS prevention can be integrated into the formal secondary school curriculum. In this way, HIV/AIDS instruction can be institutionalized. Includes references.