<p>I think I posted an article snippet on the AIDs epidemic in the South. This was at a time when a bill cosponsored by McCain and Obama was making the news on aid for Africa. Why aid for Africa but not for the US?</p>
<p>Higher risk population = higher incidents, how is this so surprising?? Guess what, heavy drug users have higher cases of transmitted diseases, and whores have higher rates of STDs…</p>
<p>There’s a lot of outreach here to help men and women understand that being “on the down low” is a major cause of the spread of AIDS and that, of course, condom usage is crucial. Some success, but not as much as one would hope, because for cultural reasons, the concept of men in heterosexual relationships while engaging in homosexual behavior is not often admitted.</p>
<p>Schools don’t have to teach sex ed, I don’t think it is required by NCLB & there are many misconceptions still about sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV.</p>
<p>My own Dr. many years ago, when I asked about my daughter being tested ( she had received multiple transfusions in 1982- it appeared in US in 1981, testing of blood wasn’t required ) told me that it wasn’t necessary, until she was sexually active- perhaps 7 or 8 years in the future. ( she was 6 at the time)
I switched Drs. & had to take her to Public Health for anonymous testing.</p>
<p>HIV/AIDS was taught in the biology and health classes not sex education class. It should be included in every high school biology class along with information about other diseases.</p>
<p>The information has also been in television public service announcements.</p>
<p>Whether education about sexual health including diseases that are transmitted by body fluid is available in health classes, in biology classes or in a class termed " sex ed" it needs to be accurate & effective.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, some states may not have that consideration.</p>