TSEKOA LAUNCHES EDUCAIDS

	TSEKOA LAUNCHES EDUCAIDS
	The Global Initiative on Education and HIV/AIDS (EDUCAIDS) was launched at Maseru Sun Cabanas on Thursday by the Minister of Education and Training, Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa. In his address, Mr. Tsekoa said EDUCAIDS is aimed at strengthing and consolidating his Ministry's HIV/AIDS Unit and to coordinate HIV/AIDS activities within the Education Sector. He added that it is also to develop common standards for all service providers within the education sector in line with those set by the National AIDS Commission as well as to link all HIV/AIDS interventions to the national strategic plan in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS in an attempt to save lives and secure the future of the coming generations. The Minister said his Ministry has put in place a number of interventions and strategies to win the battle against the pandemic. The representative of the Japan Embassy Mr. Toshitaka Hayashi said the government of Japan has funded the initiative with M966, 320, 00.00 from a special scheme for Capacity Building of Human Resources. Mr. Hayashi said the success of the initiative lies in the ability to effectively convey the information to communities in response to the spread of HIV/ADS which is still a global challenge. Dr. Harvey further said it is crucial to give young people a wider access to accurate information on HIV/AIDS prevention and to protect the core function of the education system. The project is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of Japan and UNESCO.
	source: LENA