What is HIV and AIDS?

Section 4: HIV and STDs
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is an important part of our overall health. It is
often neglected. With increasing levels of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the
need for sexual and reproductive health is paramount. In some countries, due to
cultural gender roles, women are at a huge disadvantage. With the perception that
women should be “innocent” and have little knowledge of sex, they are increasingly at
more risk of STDs and HIV. With little or no SRH education, people are vulnerable to
numerous STDs and also to HIV. The table below shows a list of the most common
STDs. In many countries, rising levels of STDs can be seen as an indicator for
increasing HIV infections. See Appendix 8 for the most common STDs
In most societies, sex and sexuality are rarely discussed openly. They are considered
taboo areas and avoided at all costs. We keep this area of our lives private. However,
for lowering STD and HIV rates, we need to start discussing these matters openly. We
need to create safe environments where people can access information about SRH
freely and confidentially, where people can speak openly about sex and sexuality and
receive the support they need. SRH education needs to begin before people are
sexually active, so that people are can make informed decisions about their sexual
health.
In many countries, including China, schools are the environments in which young
people formally learn about sex and sexual health. In China, the curriculum includes
health education is split between biology and politics lessons, covering topics such as
puberty, sex, peer pressure, drugs, communication and how to develop good morals.
However, there is much embarrassment on the part of teachers and students
discussing sex. The internet, books and friends are a way that many youth learn about
SRH, though it is not always accurate. HIV mainstreaming can support existing health
education initiatives. It should be put into the context of sexual reproductive health
education. It should be part of a wider engagement with youth to discuss health
matters. For other target groups, HIV mainstreaming can again be part of a wider
health initiative offered by companies and organisations.
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