HIV amongst teachers soars

By Chanel September
13 September 2006

South African teachers unions are to meet to address the growing rate of HIV/Aids among teachers and the roll-out of a pilot intervention programme in all nine provinces.

According to recent surveys, more than 45 000 teachers in the country are HIV positive.

Taking part in the initiative is the SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu), the National Professional Teachers Union of South Africa (Naptosa), the National Union of Educators (Nue), National Teachers Union (Ntu) and the SA Teachers Union (Satu).

According to the Cape Argus more than 4 000 teachers have already died of Aids-related illnesses in 2004 with 80% of those being younger than 45.

It is predicted that the country could lose more than 5 000 teachers a year to Aids within the next four years.

The programme aims to eliminate the stigma of HIV/Aids in the work place as well as encourage regular testing and treatment.

Comments

Popular Posts