The role of pre-service and in-service teacher training (PITT) programmes in preparing teachers for HIV curriculum integration

Despite significant global efforts to rmtigate HIV and AIDS, the epidemic continues to be a serious problem to the human race. It has claimed many productive individuals, including teachers, administrators, and parents, and has left millions of trau matized and orphaned children. Unfortunately, few teachers are prepared to take on the extra tasks of teaching and providing support that the disease creates within school settings. Teacher training institutions and governments are challe nged to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills they need to take on these new and changing roles. This article explores the role of current pre-service and in-service teacher training (PITT) programmes and offers evidence that teachers need more and better training to integrate HIV education into the mainstream curriculum in Africa. We argue that the success of HIV interventions in the sector depe nds on the quality and relevance of the PITT programmes being offered.