Implementation of a comprehensive AIDS education programme for schools in Masaka District, Uganda

As part of a large IEC (Information, Education and Communication)/STD inter vention trial, a 19-lesson, comprehensive school-based AIDS education progr amme was implemented and evaluated in 50 primary and 16 secondary schools i n 12 parishes of Masaka District, Uganda. A series of three teacher-trainin g and evaluation workshops spread over a year was held in each parish, betw een which teachers implemented the programme in the classroom. One hundred and forty-eight teachers were trained and about 3,500 students were subsequ ently exposed to the programme. Both teachers and students responded positi vely, which suggests that this type of programme has much to offer young pe ople who attend, school. However, some problems were encountered: language, programme content, community resistance to teaching about condoms, and sev eral practical issues. Proposed solutions include flexibility with the Engl ish language policy, alternative approaches to role play activities, target ing influential individuals with information about the need for young peopl e to learn about safer sex, and a parallel community-based IEC programme to facilitate community acceptance of the need for the programme. In addition , implementation may be incomplete unless comprehensive AIDS education is f ully incorporated into the curriculum, and properly examined. These finding s are placed in the context of other life skills/AIDS education programmes being introduced both in Uganda and elsewhere in Africa.