THE REPORT in yesterday's Gleaner that two children had been denied enrolment in two private preparatory schools on the basis that they are HIV positive, is disturbing at several levels.
The message that HIV/AIDS is not usually spread by casual contact seems to have been overshadowed by other fears. It is quite
understandable that the schools' administrators would be fearful of a backlash from parents of other students if word got around about the status of the infected students. Perhaps, it is that the schools are
simply uncertain how properly to handle students so affected.
But quite apart from any contravention of policies and guidelines set out by the Ministries of Health and Education about the non-
discriminatory treatment of children living with HIV/AIDS, there are the underlying fears surrounding the disease. It seems that years of public education, lectures and seminars have not eroded the concerns of some Jamaicans.
Parents would be particularly concerned about the vulnerability of their otherwise healthy children getting cuts and bruises while at play. The contention would be that not only would the 'healthy' children be vulnerable but also the HIV-infected ones whose immune systems would be operating below par. But the principal, though not exclusive method by which HIV/AIDS is spread, is through an exchange of body fluids. We can hardly imagine any activities in a properly
supervised preparatory school that would allow this to happen.
While the Ministries of Health and Education may be minded to seek after the welfare of the HIV-affected children, the government agencies may find it a little more difficult to enforce non-discriminatory practices in matters of public health. Parents may simply react by withdrawing their wards from the schools. This would, therefore, leave the children in the same undesirable state of isolation.
On the other hand, in an increasingly litigious society, the question arises whether the schools' administrators would be obliged to share information with other parents about the status of the children and so allow them to decide whether they want to keep theirs in the same institution. Also, armed with proper information before and, the administrators as custodians of the children during normal school hours, could institute proper supervisory systems without isolating either set of children.
This episode clearly underscores the need for greater public education emphasising not only the health aspects of the disease, but also the emotional and psychological ramifications for a community as well. Before the litigation route is pursued, government agencies need to clarify the roles and responsibilities of teachers and administrators as well. It is not enough to say schools are obliged to accept the
students. They need guidance too on how best to handle these difficult, challenging situations. A clear policy for all schools public and private is needed.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
