Teachers and the Struggle Against AIDS Combating AIDS is an ADEA priority. The Working Group on the Teaching Profession, francophone section (WGTF/fs) met in Lomé to promote strategies in the struggle against the pandemic. Teachers are the center-piece of their action plan. They are not only the main target group for information on AIDS but also the principal vectors for implementing effective prevention programs. On May 29 and 30, the WGTF/fs held a seminar in Lomé (Togo) on the theme: Education and AIDS in the Francophone countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Thirteen countries participated: Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Central African Republic, Senegal and Togo. Policies for combating AIDS The countries present in Lomé outlined the AIDS situation within their boundaries as well as the health and education measures being undertaken to prevent and cope with the disease. Policies have developed in three phases. The first phase was one of recognition, for taking stock of the disease and implementing ways to measure its development. The first phase occurred at the end of the 1980s and early 1990s. It was marked by a certain dynamism on the part of experts, the medical profession, and community groups. However, the attitude of political leaders, who had not yet realized the magnitude of the problem was rather wait-and-see. During the second phase national plans were drawn up with support from international donors. These consisted mainly of information and education initiatives designed to promote awareness of "safe" behavior among the population. The third phase is now underway and consists of finding ways to enable the funding of generalized tritherapy "cocktail" treatments. At present, most countries are unable to finance such a scheme. The experience of several countries shows that two factors are necessary for implementing effective measures against AIDS: The government's commitment is essential in order to develop a policy for combating the illness. Government commitment is needed to define and implement objectives and to coordinate action among the different ministries. Fighting the pandemic also requires a major funding commitment(1). Experience shows that the ministries of education and health have every interest in cooperating with each other. National examples have demonstrated that education is the place to promote preventive social action (safe sex, awareness about problems linked to drug addiction). Such campaigns are not just for young people in schools. In fact, the teacher's influence plays a very important role in fostering awareness in villages and remote communities. What role for WGTP/fs? Participants proposed a number of concrete actions concerning teachers that could be integrated into national plans for combating AIDS. These included: Strengthening cooperation between the health and education sectors. Health provides the technical skills whereas education can intervene at the local level. In particular, suggestions were made to: revive school health services and open them up to teachers; create AIDS information and documentation units intended for teachers; and involve teachers in implementing health programs such as those directed at youth and local communities. Undertaking action for staff management and screening of the disease. Participants recommended that countries conform to international practice with regard to screening so as to respect individual rights and ensure confidentiality. Participants also felt that it has become urgent to develop strategies allowing countries to assume responsibility for those needing treatment. Developing initial and continuing education on HIV/AIDS for teachers. At the end of the meeting, the national teams were asked to draw up national action plans, which will be integrated into multisectoral national plans. These will be presented to the ADEA Steering Committee in October 2000. 1. The countries reported that the tritherapy cocktail treatment costs between CFA 300,000 and 400,000 per month (approximately 400-570 US $) and per patient. This cost is well beyond the average monthly salary of the civil servants at the meeting. Previous Article | Contents | Next Article

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