MANAGER'S REPORT, Pebruary 20, 1987 . 5 8 0 « « (SOCIAL: A-2 ~ 4)

Clause No. 1 continued

2. School Education

A high priority must be education programs about the prevention of AIDS
and other sexually transmitted diseases directed to schooleaged children
and youth. These youngsters will be sexually active in a few short years
and some are active now. These people constitute a major reservoir for
AIDS cases in the 1990's,

An education program in the schools mast begin inmediately. The first
target group is those who will be leaving schoel shortly. This group
urgentiy reguires information which will assist in preventing the
acquisition of ‘sexually transmitted disease, ineluding AIDS.

The education system must begin planning fumediately to incorporate a
comprehensive sex education program into a family-life edueation
curriculum. Information about AIDS and other sexually transmitted
disease prevention must he key elements. The approach recommended is a
decision-making approach in which reasons for remaining celibate (moral,
religious, self-esteem) are discussed. As well, information on birth
control and protection against Sexually transmitted diseases must also be
addressed.
Advocacy for the condom is another issue which has received strong media
(attention. The condom is the only device available for the prevention of
AIDS and other diseases among the sexually active. It does” have
limitations and these must be acknow edged. ihe condom {$s an option and
therefore must be mentioned. It is not recommended by the Medical Health
Officer that condoms be distributed in the schools.

Discussion of these subjects has élready begua with the Vancouver School

Board. The Health Department has created a short-term nursing position
within existing resources to Support curriculum development.

AIDS VANCOUVER

Another key element fn the drive for a major community education plan js
AIDS Vancouver. Since its initial funding by the City of Vancouver and
by the Federal Government, AIDS Vancouver has been a key player with its
educational and volunteer services. The group has achieved @ high level
of credibility with the identified risk groups, the care-giving
professionals and increasingly with the general community. Through
volunteers this agency has achieved more than traditional agencies could
have hoped te accomplish.

AIDS Vancouver's present funding will not allow for significant
increasing of its effort. Vancouver does not need additional agencies
but it does need more of what AIDS Vancouver does so very well.
Increased financial support 1s crucial if they are to expand their
activities.

AIODS 1s @ province-wide problem. Even though most cases to date have
lived in Yancouver and the Lower Mainland, this disease wil] definitely
be seen in communities away from this area in the next few years. Case
finding, education and community Support activities must then be viewed
from a provincial perspective, not a Vancouver or regional one.

There 1s an urgent need for a structure to plan and coordinate the attack
on AIDS throughout B.C. More money will be required, priorities need to
be set and targets identified. At present there is no formal mechanism
for coordination and decision-making beyond an informal one tn Vancouver.

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