Despite growing up in different African countries, we share a common school memory: Classes singing “Say No to HIV” songs with a chorus about HIV being a death penalty. For those of us aware of our HIV status, chiming in consolidated our shame and compounded our secrecy, causing loneliness and fear. For those of us who tested positive later (most new HIV diagnoses are adolescents), we recalled this education with terror.
Our teachers discussed abstinence, sin and responsibilities. We had no understanding of contraception, consent or how to maintain healthy relationships. Sex education was, and still is, sidelined to an awkward maths or geography teacher cringing by the blackboard: “An empty crisp packet won’t work as a condom”. Thanks for the advice!
Little wonder then, that recent research by 2gether 4 SRHR, a Regional Joint UN Programme in Eastern and Southern Africa (the epicentre of the HIV crisis) identified huge knowledge gaps in the general public’s understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
