A key need is to integrate sexual health education and drug education, not conduct them separately, because they are both inextricably intertwined in HIV transmission. Measures must be designed and carried out in a way that helps build a supportive environment for these children. Information per se is not enough. HIV prevention means tackling their vulnerability at its roots. It means helping the children acquire the skills they need to negotiate safer sex, resist peer pressure for sex and drug use, and establish personal support networks.
Counselling is important because it helps children mature and make sound decisions.
In short, preventing the HIV risk associated with drug use calls for programmes targeted at the drug users themselves, their sex partners and family members, health care workers and the general community. It also requires advocacy to raise the consciousness of adults not to lure children into drug use. At the same time, it must be recognized that children are not in this world alone. Parents, school teachers, religious and community leaders must also be involved in developing programmes for children if they are to be accepted by the community and help build a safe and supportive environment. Securing their involvement requires ensuring that they hear the concerns and aspirations of children.