Aids figures among teachers are scary

Teachers are supposed to ensure that young people are more aware of dangerous diseases, writes

of Mukhomi

Miyelani Hlungwani

Village.

Astudy by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) indicated that more than 50 000 teachers at public schools are living with HIV. Most of these teachers are in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape.

These numbers are quite scary. How come those who are expected to lead by good examples are the ones who are infected the most?

Teachers are supposed to play a significant role in ensuring that young people are more aware of dangerous diseases.

No wonder teenage pregnancy numbers in our country are alarming.

The worrying fact is that many of them are still in high school. How are they supposed to learn while taking care of their babies?

Obviously some teachers are not adhering to what they know about HIV.

Teachers must take responsibility and lead by example.

How are they going to tell pupils about different types of pregnancy prevention measures in our clinics or hospitals that young people should make use of while they are still having unprotected sex?

This doesn’t deserve to be swept under the carpet.

The department of basic education, in partnership with the department of health, must intensify their awareness to become more involved and assist with treatment and a way forward for teachers and pupils.