Cape Town - The Department of Basic Education wants the public to respond to a new draft policy on HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and TB saying that HIV and TB are chronic diseases that have reached epidemic proportions in South Africa.
Making male and female condoms available to primary school pupils is one of the proposed ways to combat the spread of HIV and STIs as well as pregnancy in schools.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga drafted the Basic Education National Policy on HIV, STIs and TB in response to the increased number of learners orphaned by HIV and STIs and the rate of teenage pregnancy in schools.
Patric Solomons, the director of the children’s rights organisation Molo Songololo, supports the department’s plans and says children should be given the necessary information relating to sex and access to reproductive health products such as condoms.
“This (condoms) should be made available without compromising a child’s privacy and confidentiality. Trained professionals should ensure that older children 12-14 years of age know and understand the consequences of early sexual activity. Children at primary school level should be taught and given appropriate information and education about sex, sexuality, HIV/Aids, STIs and the use of reproductive health products including condoms at classroom levels.”
Siviwe Gwarube, the spokesman for the MEC of Health, would not comment on the issue, saying this would be premature.
Weekend Argus