In settings where HIV is more prevalent

In settings where HIV is more prevalent, sectors
will often start with the internal domain in order to
reduce the vulnerability of the workforce. In Kenya,
for example, a recent sentinel survey of a major
transport corridor in the north of the country (Kenya
National AIDS Council, 2005) revealed that educators
were among the major client groups of sex workers
located along this corridor (after truck drivers and
police staff). The study also highlighted that condom
use among the clients was variable, indicating that in
some geographical areas educators are particularly at
risk.16 Kenya is not unique in this respect. Educators
may be vulnerable due to frequent travel, isolation
and working conditions that oblige them to leave their
families. In order to address the internal domain, it is
essential that education decision-makers take action
to review placement policies in light of such realities.
In settings where HIV prevalence is lower, it is
frequently through the integration of HIV- and AIDSrelated
content in the curriculum that sectors make a
start with mainstreaming HIV and AIDS. There may
be little or no focus in such settings on protecting
the workforce because the numbers of educators
and other employees who are currently, or could
potentially become, affected or infected are very
small. However, a comprehensive response – tailored
to the local context – is needed in all settings and
should therefore include both the internal and external
dimensions described above.