Schools Form Health Clubs

By Wilson ManyireTHE Ministry of Education and Sports has disclosed that over 400 health clubs have been formed in many education institutions in Uganda to fight HIV/AIDS.Mr. Yusuf.K.Nsubuga, Commissioner for Secondary Education, said that it is only through the formation of health clubs that HIV/AIDS will be understood in schools and dealt with. “Over 400 health Clubs have been formed in Uganda’s educational institutions today and these health clubs have played a very important role in fighting AIDS,’’ Nsubuga said.The clubs are aimed at empowering the youth with information and knowledge as well as equipping them with life skills. These include positive changes in attitudes, behaviour and practices particularly towards reproductive health, STDs and HIV/AIDS.“Students find it a bit easier to communicate with their peers and pupils, than with teachers and parents on issues of sex education, growing up and sexuality through health clubs,’’ Nsubuga noted.He called upon all headteachers and other teaching staff to implement youth health clubs as a way of over coming the dangers of HIV/AIDS among the youth.The commissioner, who also acts as the HIV/AIDS coordinator in the education sector, said that, so far 400 health clubs have been formed. More are expected to be formed with the help of teachers and school heads. Ends