The strategy for fighting the epidemic should rest fundamentally on protecting the so-called "window of hope", that is, the children who are not yet sexually active who can learn early and better the lessons of abstinence, protection and prevention. This implies targeting the current preventive campaigns on HIV/AIDS at younger age groups, and therefore making appropriate adjustments in the messages of those campaigns. Instead of stressing only the use of condoms or safe sex, for instance, the messages could envisage aspects inducing changes in sexual behaviour and attitudes.

Apart from children of ages when they are already regarded as sexually active, the campaign should also, and quickly, cover sub-group in the six to 15 year olds range. This recommendation is particularly pertinent if we consider that only about 45 of the student population is in the secondary, technical-professional and higher levels of education. The vast majority are in EP1 and EP2.

The strategy for fighting the spread of the epidemic should take into account the fact that the majority of educational staff are not infected. Consequently, timely interventions to protect these professionals through deepening their knowledge and understanding can help protect the sector against the devastation of HIV/AIDS.

In addition, it is necessary to create an awareness among education professionals that being HIV-positive is not necessarily a death sentence. HIV-positive people can lead long and full lives, and that is also valid for education staff infected with HIV. There are practices that have been tested and developed which contribute to prolonging the life of HIV-infected people who live "positively". When educators and educational managers understand this reality in depth, they will be better able to help transform the perception of their pupils and of society in general concerning the epidemic.

A further important aspect is bringing school timetables into line with the requirements of household work in rural areas. The spread of the epidemic could lead to higher levels of dropping out and of poor academic performance among girls, as they are called upon to car e for sick r elatives or to take on additional responsibilities after the death of their parents and of other adults in the household. This adjustment to the timetable could help keep children, particularly girls, at school, despite the spread of the epidemic.

Education can also play a preponderant role in protecting the younger generations, as it can and should be a gateway of hope for the protection of its own staff as well as for the survival of society in general, as the centre of gravity of preventive activities. Through disseminating information on HIV/AIDS, education would contribute not only to halting the spread of the epidemic, but also towards creating a new social mentality towards the disease, allowing people to make informed choices.