The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62692

Charles Thube, MA, MHS, Country Representative-Kenya, Pathfinder International, 9 Galen Street, Suite 217, Watertown, MA 02472, 617-924-7200, ghainsworth@pathfind.org and Anthony Johnston, PhD, Population Communication Africa, P.O Box 303011, Nairobi, Kenya.

HIV/AIDS has taken an immense toll on Africa’s teachers. HIV/AIDS increases attrition and absenteeism among teachers, managers, and students, seriously threatening national and international education goals. HIV/AIDS erodes the educated workforce, and makes retention and recruitment of trained teachers an increasing, and costly, challenge. Teachers are often absent due to their own illness, the need to care for family members, or to attend funerals. HIV/AIDS drains the teacher supply, impacts the quality of teaching, weakens access to higher learning, and increases costs within an already struggling sector.

Teachers are of vital importance to the future of Kenyan communities. It is imperative to assist teachers living with HIV/AIDS, giving them priority access to ARVs and strong social support, so they can continue their work. Teachers are respected and play a key role in HIV/AIDS prevention. They are able to capture the attention of students, parents, and leaders and serve as role models to raise awareness and encourage behavior change. Teachers living with HIV/AIDS who choose to reveal their status have the potential to profoundly influence behavior change, and decrease stigma and discrimination around HIV/AIDS.

Kenya lacks reliable data on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among teachers, which could guide the design of prevention, care, and support interventions. The current study estimates the national HIV/AIDS prevalence among teachers and uses the findings to develop comprehensive care and support interventions. The study quantifies the benefits of providing ARVs to teachers, by analyzing the costs of treatment and the effects on work time and productivity.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:
• Estimate the HIV/AIDS prevalence among teachers in Kenya
• Describe teachers’ important role in HIV/AIDS behavior change communication activities
• Identify major stakeholders in the design and delivery of such an intervention
• Describe the steps necessary to design and implement an effective HIV/AIDS care and support program for teachers living with, or affected by HIV/AIDS in Kenya

Keywords: HIV Interventions, Developing Countries

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.