A high prevalence of STDS in Africa has been noted, creating more concern for the healthcare system in the area. The FAWE now advises the government to pass a Schools’s Health Policy system during the revision period. The FAWE believes that such a system could provide better education on sexual health to people from a young age, possibly reducing the incidence of risky sexual behavior.
FAWE Urges For The Implementation Of SHP System
During the preparation of the most recent O’level curriculum for the new academic year, the Sub Sahara Africa government was urged to make a few changes. The Forum for African Women Educationalists, also known as the FAWE, urged to government to rethink the School Health Policy. The FAWE asked for the Schools Health Policy to be adjusted and passed in such a way to address the specific challenges that the younger population in the region is facing.
The demand for the passing of an SHP system was contributed to by the high prevalence rate of both high school dropouts and the rate of STIs in these individuals.
The idea behind the SHP system is to ensure school-aged children can be equipped with the education they require to minimize their exposure to sexually transmitted infections. While a significant focus was placed on the transmission of HIV and Aids, the SHP system will also educate high school children about other STIs.
The recognition of signs related to chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and other STDs that are common in the area can help to assure an early diagnosis. The earlier a treatment program is implemented for these STDs, the more opportunity there is to effectively treat the condition. Even in diseases like HIV where a cure is not available, treatment can still yield effective results – but it is important for an early diagnosis to be made.
Along with improved education about STD transmission and how safer sex can be a solution, the FAWE also wants the SHP system to address a concern about early pregnancy. This is yet another common issue that is being faced in Sub Sahara Africa and comes with its own consequences. The combination of STDs and pregnancy translates into even more concerning issues.
The FAWE only made such suggestions after looking at the current sexual health state among high school students. The FAWE found that 68% of high school boys are sexually active, along with an estimated 64% of high school girls.
Sexually transmitted diseases affect a large portion of the Sub Sahara African population. Education from an early age may help to increase the rate at which people practice safer sexual behaviors. In turn, this may assist in preventing a further spike in the prevalence of STD transmission. To assist with this process, the FAWE has asked the government of Sub Sahara Africa to implement a sexual health program together with the Schools Health Policy.
References
https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1515526/pass-school-health-policy-ngo