Fighting HIV/AIDS in a school environment in Cameroon

[Njoh Angwi Constance]

Like in many developing countries, HIV/AIDS is a pubilc health problem. In Cameroon, more than 500 000 people live with the disease.Youths between 15 and 24 years are the most affected. In this age bracket, girls are the most vulnerable. Ignorance, poverty and high illiteracy level are the root causes.
For more than 10 years, the ministry of Education has been promoting health related activities in secondary schools through the creation of health clubs. These clubs have been actively involved in education of students using peers through health talks and sensitization campaigns to reduce the burden of this disease in schools.
This year, students actively particpated in the celebration of world AIDS day on the 1st December 2009 by organizing seminars, sketches and songs to raise awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS.