Zimbabwean students get HIV education

Hundreds of teachers in Zimbabwe are getting involved in a new scheme to educate children about HIV and AIDS this week.

Around 1,500 teachers in primary and secondary schools are taking part in an HIV and AIDS Lifeskills in-service training campaign that will give advice on prevention, combat sexual gender based violence and look at the development of psychosocial counselling.

The scheme has received nearly $500,000 (£250,000) of funding from UNICEF and is being conducted by the ministry of education, sport and culture, UNICEF and the ministry of higher and tertiary education.

Zimbabwe recently reported that it had achieved a low 20 per cent adult HIV rate.

Commenting on the claim UNICEF's representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Festo Kavishe, said: "This is a remarkable achievement.

"However the country still has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world and we must continue to reach young Zimbabweans with clear and relevant information. That's what this training will do."