Initiative Description: Department of Educations’ life skills program on HIV and AIDS prevention among Grade 9 students in 22 randomly allocated schools in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. he life skills intervention was intended to be implemented in the life orientation lessons at least one lesson a week over two school terms (20 weeks). The program addressed a range of topics starting with facts about HIV and AIDS concerning the modes of transmission, the immune system, the progression of HIV to AIDS, and how-to keep the body safe and healthy thus avoiding HIV infection. This was followed by a component that addressed relevant determinants of life skills related to the prevention of HIV and AIDS.

Study Results: Increased HIV/AIDS knowledge

Reference: James, S., Reddy, P., Ruiter, R. A. C., McCauley, A., & Borne, B. (2006). The impact of an HIV and AIDS life skills program on secondary school students in KwaZulu–Natal, South Africa. AIDS Education and Prevention, 18(4), 281–294. https://doi.org/10.1521/aeap.2006.18.4.281

Level of Evidence: Very Good