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Ekua Yankah UNESCO Section on HIV and AIDS

Supporting HIV+ positive teachers in Eastern and Southern Africa Poster Discussion session: 13.00 – 14.00 h. Ekua Yankah UNESCO Section on HIV and AIDS Division for the Coordination of UN Priorities in Education. 4 August 2008. Background. A significant number of people

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Ekua Yankah UNESCO Section on HIV and AIDS

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  1. Supporting HIV+ positive teachers in Eastern and Southern AfricaPoster Discussion session: 13.00 – 14.00 h Ekua Yankah UNESCO Section on HIV and AIDS Division for the Coordination of UN Priorities in Education 4 August 2008

  2. Background • A significant number of people with HIV in Eastern and Southern Africa are educators. • HIV+ teachers often experience high levels of stigma and discrimination. • Little has been done to develop a comprehensive response for HIV+ teachers.

  3. Methods UNESCO and the EI-EFAIDS partners convened a consultation with HIV+ teachers in 2006 with the aim to: • determine the needs of HIV+ teachers • measure the impact of HIV on HIV+ teachers • identify the type and level of support required to address their needs

  4. Teacher’s voices “Teaching is a psychological job; my mind needs to be settled.” HIV+ teacher UNESCO/EI-EFAIDS technical consultation

  5. Results • The mobilization of HIV+ teachers has been slow and piecemeal • Networks of HIV+ teachers have been created because of low access to treatment, poor working conditions and stigma and discrimination in the workplace • Teacher unions have a central role to play in protecting the rights of HIV+ teachers

  6. Lessons learnt • Teachers hold a special position in society but at the same time, they are vulnerable to HIV infection, just like anyone else • Parents may feel that it is unacceptable for their child to be taught by an HIV+ teacher • The education sector has a responsibility to support all teachers regardless of their HIV status

  7. Teacher’s voices “HIV+ teachers are part of the solution to fight HIV and AIDS in the education sectors and not a problem.” Margaret Wambete Kenyan Network of Positive Teachers (KENEPOTE)

  8. Recommendations • Identify the varying needs of HIV+ teachers • Involve teacher unions • Support workplace policies • Review teacher deployment and relief policies • Support HIV+ teacher networks

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