Sex education

So often, with the doom and gloom attitude by which HIV and AIDS is portrayed in our newspapers, it is easy for us to feel despondent. Yet there is some good news. There are things we as health workers can do that can make a real difference. Good sex and life skills health promotion is an essential component to promoting healthy behaviour. A multi-centre study undertaken by the World Health Organisation has conclusively shown that such education does not encourage promiscuity. In fact it is seen to delay the onset of first sexual activity. Recent research from KwaZulu-Natal has also shown that most parents are in support of such sex education for their children. This dispels some of the myths that have jeopardised some health promotion initiatives in the past.

If your interest in youth health has been aroused by the escalating figures of the prevalence of HIV infection amongst South African youth, you would be convinced that the epidemic has managed to send a wake up call to all organisations and institutions targeting youth health.