I read with sadness the article in The Observer on 13.7.08 ‘HIV children turned away from schools’ by Jacqui Thornton. My attention was drawn to the ignorance and controversy facing many children living with HIV and their right to be educated. According to Thornton many teachers, schools and local education authorities are practising with fear and ignorance about the consequences of allowing children with HIV to attend school. It appears that some children are being refused a school place, or upon learning that a child has HIV, are asked to leave, or breaches of confidentiality are occurring. Examples from real cases highlight that the main issues are mostly based upon fear, fear of transmission and confidentiality in relation to the child and family. I have to say I was quite shocked that such fear exists especially as such practice is contrary to the facts and knowledge that are well known and published about HIV.
A few facts:
- There are about 1,500 children living with HIV in the UK, including 1,000 under 15.
- On average just over 100 children are diagnosed with HIV in the UK each year.
- HIV cannot be passed on by spiting, biting, small cuts or grazes, sharing utensils or toilet seats.
- Resources for teachers about HIV in schools are available from http://www.nat.org.uk/
The National Aids Trust is campaigning to improve things for individual families and children. If you are able to support and make comment do contact the National Aids Trust at http://www.nat.org.uk/
Contraception Education works with schools and teachers provides resources and workshops to inform and educate people about all sexual health matters, including HIV, in particular "Safer Sex: An Interactive Learning Resource" on Video and DVD produced in collaboration with Brook Manchester and "Play-it-Safe" a CD game developed specifically for South Africa
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