During recent meetings and consultations with young people living with HIV, convened by GNP+, UN agencies and other civil society organizations, a number of common recommendations have emerged with specific reference to the role of the education sector in supporting the needs of HIV-positive young people.

The rationale behind these recommendations is not only to support young people living with HIV to fulfill their right to education in a supportive and enabling environment in school, but also to strengthen their roles and build on their experiences at community level.

The education sector has specific responsibilities with respect to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support; schools are the place where most children and young people spend a major part of their daily lives; and schools and education systems provide the linkage with communities as well as with other sectors such as health sector and social protection services. Comprehensive education sector responses need to be more responsive to the changing realities of the HIV epidemic and in particular to the role that learners and educators play in their communities. Young people living with HIV are accessing treatment in larger numbers, living longer and have many of the same needs and aspirations as other young people. A successful education sector response will support young people living with HIV to remain in school or non-formal programmes, complete their education and go on to live fulfilling lives in the workplace, community and their families.

GNP+ is collaborating with UNESCO and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) on activities to enhance the current evidence base and develop guidance to better advocate for and strengthen the education sector response to the needs of HIV-positive learners.

A technical consultation, convened by UNESCO, GNP+ and IPPF will be taking place in Paris, December 7-9 to gain a clearer understanding of existing best practices and possible gaps. This consultation will contribute to the development of a guidance document aimed at Ministries of Education and Health, schools and teachers to offer practical support in delivering a more supportive school-based response for young people living with HIV. More information will be forthcoming after the consultation.