HIV/AIDS Counseling Programmes in School Settings: A Policy Analysis in Southern Ethiopian Cities

HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health issue in Southern Ethiopia, with schools serving as potential sites for prevention and support. Qualitative interviews were conducted with educators, health workers, and students to evaluate programme effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Students showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention methods post-counseling interventions, indicating the programmes' positive impact on educational outcomes. School-based HIV/AIDS counseling programmes have the potential to enhance students' understanding of HIV/AIDS and promote healthier behaviors, warranting further implementation and refinement. Enhanced training for educators and health workers is recommended to better integrate HIV/AIDS education into school curricula. Additional resources should be allocated to support programme sustainability.