Government wants to give condoms to primary school pupils

The Department of Basic Education released the Draft National Policy on HIV, STIs and TB for public comment on 5 May.

The proposal also involves supplying condoms to pupils in Grades 7 to 12.

Pupils will also be provided with information on how to use them.

According to the proposal, younger children in Grades 4 to 6, who would be aged between nine to 12, would be given condoms “where required”.

There would also be mandatory sex education for primary and high school pupils including age-appropriate life skills, issues of sexuality, reproductive health, relationships and responsibilities focusing on HIV, STIs and TB prevention.

Mobile clinics will visit schools so that teachers and pupils can be tested voluntarily for HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and TB.

According to the reports, 21 000 schoolgirls, including 717 still in primary school, were pregnant in the 2013/14 financial year prompting this proposal.

Department of Basic Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga confirmed,“There were over 700 primary school children who have been pregnant. This means sexual activity is already taking place for some of the children.”

According to Mhlanga, the department is targeting prevention by making information and support available.

The draft policy is intended to replace the 1999 Department of Education National Policy on HIV/AIDS for pupils and educators in public schools and students and educators in Further Education and Training Institutions.

The policy goals are:

• Improved co-ordination and mainstreaming of the Basic Education sector’s response to HIV and TB, to accelerate implementation of a comprehensive strategy for prevention, treatment, care and support.

• Increased knowledge, cognitive skills and information about life skills in general and HIV and TB in particular, to inform the life choices of all learners, educators, school support staff and officials and protect them from infection and disease.

• Improved access to HIV and TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care and support services to reduce the incidence of HIV and TB amongst learners, educators, school support staff and officials.

• Increased retention of learners, educators, school support staff and officials in a safe and protective education environment, to improve system efficiency, quality and output.

The public has 21 days to submit their input on the suggested policy.

Details: Ms A Dano dano.a@dbe.gov.za or Fax to 012 328 8401.