P4.08 SÃo paulo state strategy for the prevention: distribution of condoms in the schools

Abstract

AIDS cases among young people aged 15 to 24 years have increased in Brazil 21.5% in recent years. There is a need to strengthen actions to prevent STD/AIDS in schools, especially regarding the distribution of condoms and promotion of reflection related to sexual diversity, homophobia, racism, prejudice, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health. The ”Together in Prevention” strategy of the Centre for Reference and Training - STD/AIDS of the Secretary of State for Health of Sao Paulo in partnership with the Foundation for the Development of Education - FDE and the Secretariat of Education of the State of Sao Paulo, was based on the Municipality of Itaquaquecetuba/SP, which, through the involvement of primary health care and the activities of community health agents, expanded prevention actions in the community, implementing Prevention Stations at the meeting points of vulnerable populations for HIV and organised a flow of Condom distribution both at school and elsewhere in the community. Through the articulation of actions with the Association of Parents and Teachers - APM and the School Council, and the youth participation through the Student Councils and the involvement of the parents, the condom entered the school environment consistently. The strategy details the step-by-step articulation of public health and education policies in the school space, an action already foreseen in the federal government’s ”Prevention Is Also Teached” programs, and ”Health in School - PSE” In the joint state resolution of SES/SEE that provides for STD/AIDS prevention actions and definition of the transfer of condoms to schools. Experience shows us that it is possible to distribute condoms in schools on an ongoing basis, and it is fundamental to articulate the school/basic health unit.