Challenges in implementing HIV/AIDS Programs in schools

The study investigated some of the challenges teachers in Sub-Saharan Africa face in implementing skills-based HIV/AIDS prevention programmes in schools. It was found that there were various challenges teachers faced in trying to implement skills-based HIV/AIDS programmes in schools. These challenges were identified at four levels, namely, at the design, content, implementation and evaluation levels. The study concluded that as key implementers of the programmes in schools, teachers needed support from all stakeholders in order to overcome the challenges. The need to involve teachers in the design of programmes could not be over emphasised. Adequately training them in participatory methodologies was vital. Teacher access to relevant and appropriate teaching material to help them confidently implement the HIV/AIDS programmes in schools was also important. Lastly, monitoring and evaluation of programmes was key to programme implementation.