The Center for Safe and Healthy Schools is pleased to announce the release of a Policy Update entitled, The Continuing Epidemic of HIV/AIDS. The update highlights the trends in the data, both positive and negative, concerning HIV infection and prevalence of AIDS as well as the positive role of education in reducing HIV infections amongst children. The Update also presents issues for consideration and resources for school officials and education policymakers.

Introduction

The United States has been coping with HIV and AIDS for 25 years now. Strong, sustained efforts have helped to limit the epidemic, but the spread of the virus is still far from being stopped. As the nature of the epidemic steadily changes over time, the education system’s response needs to adapt accordingly.

Good news on AIDS among children: From 2000 through 2005, the estimated number of AIDS cases decreased 51 percent among children younger than 13 years old because of successful education and medical interventions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1 In 2005, only 166 new cases of AIDS nationwide were diagnosed among infants and children younger than 13.2 The steady downward trend means fewer HIV-positive children who need specialized services enter school each year.

Click the following link to download the Policy Brief:

The Continuing Epidemic of HIV/AIDS Policy Brief