Date of Award

Spring 5-2009

Degree Type

Restricted Access Professional Report

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Dr. Kristen Lykens

Abstract

An estimated 10 million young people worldwide are living with HIV with a yearly incidence of 2 million in the 15-24 year old population. This is nearly half of all new cases that are being reported. Worldwide roughly 39.5 million people are dying of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or are infected with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV). Of these 39.5 million people, 24.7 million live in Africa; a strong majority in resource scarce countries. In Tanzania alone there are 1.4 million people living with HIV making the percentage of people with HIV at 6.2%. With other prevention efforts that have been underway in the past few years, we have thus far been able to see a drop in people affected from 7.0% to what is now current at 6.2%. With an understanding that the country is capable of making stride in lowering incidence which will ultimately lower prevalence down the line, focus on the countries youth has been an avenue to explore. Though there are studies that have looked into prevention methods and even more specifically have looked into curriculum-based prevention programs, there have not been any that focus on a comprehensive approach that includes seeking governmental support and mandating a change in the curriculum to focus on HIV/AIDS education. Based on literature review of components that can influence the development, implementation and incorporation of an HIV/AIDS prevention program in Tanzania, this paper concludes that a curriculum-based HIV/AIDS prevention program is the most effective and efficient manner to reach the community and bring about the biggest change.


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