|
The African Challenge:
Impact of HIV/AIDS on the Attainment of EFA Goals
“It is now acknowledged that EFA goals
will not be achieved if sustained action is not taken in areas of
comparative neglect"
 The
HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to be a catastrophe. In order to address
the challenge of prevention with renewed commitment, UNESCO has,
with the Cosponsoring Organizations of UNAIDS, spearheaded the
launch of EDUCAIDS by a massive expansion of prevention education.
The ten UNAIDS partners are united in their commitment to
implement a jointly developed prevention education framework.
In 2003, 3 million
people died from AIDS-related illnesses and over 14 million children have
so far been orphaned. Globally,
more than 40 million people are infected and still there is no cure in
sight. With 5 million new
infections in each of the last three years, we are confronted with a
massive failure of prevention.
Yet the epidemic can be prevented. In
recognition of UNESCO’s expertise and experience in the fields of
literacy, HIV/AIDS and education and teacher training, and given the
crucial contribution of these areas of activity to the whole EFA agenda,
UNESCO’s programme gives pride of place to the three core initiatives
for support to EFA:
-
the Literacy Initiative for Empowerment
(LIFE);
-
the Global Initiative on HIV/AIDS and education (EDUCAIDS); and
-
the Initiative on Teacher Training in sub-Saharan Africa.
These
initiatives will form the programmatic core of UNESCO’s response to EFA
at country level, especially in Africa.
Links:
HIV/AIDS Clearing house
; Briefs on key HIV/AIDS and Education issues
; UNAIDS |
