open access

Vol 6, No 1 (2021)
Review article
Published online: 2021-03-08
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The role of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in reimagining HIV/AIDS inequalities

Isaac I. Olufadewa, Miracle A. Adesina, Funmilayo R. Abudu, Samuel D. Ayelawa, Ruth I. Oladele, Yusuf Babatunde, Moyinoluwa J. Oladoye, Oluwadara T. Akano
·
Medical Research Journal 2021;6(1):59-63.

open access

Vol 6, No 1 (2021)
REVIEW ARTICLES
Published online: 2021-03-08

Abstract

Over 70 million people globally have been infected with HIV since the beginning of the epidemic. HIV infection has neither a cure nor a vaccine; hence, education and awareness have been adopted to prevent the spread of the virus. Despite the action to reduce the HIV prevalence with access to effective information, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care, it remains a major health concern and a chronic health condition that could only be managed by enabling people living with the condition a better, longer, and healthy life. However, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), which is a right-based approach that provides and equips people with the right knowledge on sexual education and reproductive health, can be utilised in sexual health promotion. It comprises seven essential components that focus on several aspects of sexuality. Thus, this paper provides evidence for the importance of CSE in reducing HIV prevalence, especially amongst the vulnerable population. The incorporation of long-term sexuality education programs in the school-based curriculum will contribute to the massive reduction in teenage pregnancies and abortion, and the decline in rates of sexually transmitted infections and HIV. It will also increase the knowledge about sexual and reproductive issues normalization and self-efficacy. Hence, CSE health educators and school teachers should be adequately trained in comprehensive sexuality education to curb the spread of HIV infection.

Abstract

Over 70 million people globally have been infected with HIV since the beginning of the epidemic. HIV infection has neither a cure nor a vaccine; hence, education and awareness have been adopted to prevent the spread of the virus. Despite the action to reduce the HIV prevalence with access to effective information, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care, it remains a major health concern and a chronic health condition that could only be managed by enabling people living with the condition a better, longer, and healthy life. However, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), which is a right-based approach that provides and equips people with the right knowledge on sexual education and reproductive health, can be utilised in sexual health promotion. It comprises seven essential components that focus on several aspects of sexuality. Thus, this paper provides evidence for the importance of CSE in reducing HIV prevalence, especially amongst the vulnerable population. The incorporation of long-term sexuality education programs in the school-based curriculum will contribute to the massive reduction in teenage pregnancies and abortion, and the decline in rates of sexually transmitted infections and HIV. It will also increase the knowledge about sexual and reproductive issues normalization and self-efficacy. Hence, CSE health educators and school teachers should be adequately trained in comprehensive sexuality education to curb the spread of HIV infection.

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Keywords

Comprehensive sexuality education; CSE; Gender Inequality; HIV Inequality

About this article
Title

The role of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in reimagining HIV/AIDS inequalities

Journal

Medical Research Journal

Issue

Vol 6, No 1 (2021)

Article type

Review article

Pages

59-63

Published online

2021-03-08

Page views

1536

Article views/downloads

1466

DOI

10.5603/MRJ.a2021.0006

Bibliographic record

Medical Research Journal 2021;6(1):59-63.

Keywords

Comprehensive sexuality education
CSE
Gender Inequality
HIV Inequality

Authors

Isaac I. Olufadewa
Miracle A. Adesina
Funmilayo R. Abudu
Samuel D. Ayelawa
Ruth I. Oladele
Yusuf Babatunde
Moyinoluwa J. Oladoye
Oluwadara T. Akano

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