HIV-Positive Educators in South African Public Schools Predictions for Prophylaxis and Antiretroviral Therapy

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa is severe and it is to be expected that various sectors in South African society, including the education sector, will be affected negatively. It is well known that those living with the virus are able to continue being productive for years. However, once illness sets in and the immune system is compromised, absenteeism for both short and long periods may become common and without antiretroviral therapy (ARV) intervention, many will die. In our schools, the illness and death of one educator has serious implications for other educators, the school and learners. Increased workload, loss of skills and experience, overcrowded classes and learner adjustment problems are just some of the consequences that can be expected. While it has long been suspected that HIV prevalence among educators is high, there has been no scientific study to assess this. Responding to the need for empirical evidence, the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) commissioned the Human Sciences Research Council-led consortium to conduct this nation-wide research assessing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, as well as issues such as the health status and attrition of our educators. The results of the research suggest that the high number of our educators living with AIDS is cause for serious concern.