Fighting HIV/AIDS

Fighting HIV/AIDS: Prevention Program Based on Educational Literacy

Fighting HIV/AIDS: Prevention Program Based on Educational Literacy

Introduction

AIDS, one of the greatest challenges faced by humanity, requires education at the core for prevention of this disease. Throughout the globe, HIV/AIDS have a significant negative impact on the lives of the individuals and the people associated with them. The rate of HIV contraction in different parts of the world is at disturbing level and rising steadily. With rising number of patients, demand for the health care services and support system is stretching to the maximum level. The aim of this study is to design and implement a health educational program for teenagers for creation of awareness with respect to HIV/AIDS and interventions for avoiding contraction of HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS Prevalence and Associated Impacts

This study aims at creating awareness in teenage group because the people belonging to this age group are more sexually active as compared to others. The years experienced by the teenagers involves experimentation which is often characterized by risky behaviours which increases their vulnerability to contract HIV/AIDS disease. According to a study, almost 50 percent of the human immunodeficiency viruses are contracted by population under age of 25 (Morris et.al, 2013). The most common transmission route of the AIDS virus in the age group from 13 year to 24 years occurs primarily through sexual intercourse. However, the most primary factor responsible for HIV contraction is the lack of awareness in teenagers with respect to the disease. The ignorance of the young age group and lack of awareness or means of protection can lead to devastation of these young people of our society and can lead to early death. Young people possess every right to acquire the knowledge for their protection as well their partners' protection against HIV/AIDS (WHO, 2012).

Health Education Program

Until a few years ago all the preventive efforts associated with HIV/AIDS were directed almost exclusively to solving health problems resulting from infection, informing the public about risk behaviours and the "safe practices" that can be taken to avoid them. Currently, these interventions are integrated into a broader preventive model, which has room for healthy sexual lifestyles, the positive experience of sexuality and responsible and autonomous management of their own decisions when it comes to mitigation of the risks associated with the infection. (Rickert et.al, 1991). One of the main tools for primary prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is the health education, and essential in the school setting. Health education in the school aims to empower and prepare children for the future to make them self-sufficient and efficient in successful management of their risks and adopt positive health behaviours. (Adato & Bassett, 2012).

The school should be a place of prevention, not only by integrating HIV / AIDS into prevention and intervention programs but also by promoting peer education. Preventive actions allow the acquisition of basic knowledge about HIV, modes of protection and assimilation practices and behaviours intended to create safer habits in young adolescents who are not yet sexually ...