Rise in STI cases among teenagers in rural areas

January 6, 2004

PRATHIMA

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ SATURDAY, JANUARY 03, 2004 07:41:10 PM ]

VADODARA: Nearly 50 per cent of rural youth suffering from sexually

transmitted infections (STIs) are in the age group of 15-18 years.

This was stated by an NGO working for HIV/AIDS prevention.

A study conducted by Shroff's Foundation Trust states that lack of

awareness and the rigid mindset of people in rural areas was the main

cause for growing numbers of STIs among teenagers.

" Initially, we had to break the ice with school principals who were

hesitant to introduce sex education in schools. However, gradually

they realised the need for sex education, " says Pragnya Nagar, senior

programme co-ordinator.

The School AIDS Education Program, which is funded by the Gujarat

State AIDS Control Society has covered 30 rural schools of Padra and

Vadodara in 2002-03 and intends to cover at least 30 more schools in

Vaghodia and Daboi taluka next year. The programme encourages active

participation of students, parents and teachers.

" Activities like inter-school essay competition, poster-making,

street plays, bhavai, exhibition and debates and games like 'snake

and ladder' and 'Dhamal Dhoko Dham-Dham Thai' help understand how the

HIV virus enters the body and destroys WBC, " said Nagar

" We train and sensitise two nodal teachers, two peer educators from

each school who, in turn, prepare the ground for open discussions on

sensitive subjects, " explains Nagar.

Ignorance is a bane as it results in risky behaviour. To provide

scientific knowledge about sex and sexuality issues, the project has

installed a question box in every school to post queries.

" We have queries on various issues- from menstrual cycle, sexual act,

pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, condoms to masturbation. During our interaction

sessions, we try to answer all the queries and promote self-

assertiveness and positive attitude among adolescents, " says Nagar.

" The question box opened a pandora's box on the usual perception of

teenagers on sex and sexuality, HIV/AIDS/STD, concept of adolescence,

knowledge about the human body among others, " adds Nagar.

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