Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERNMENT POLICIESIN EDUCATION, SCIENCE, SPORTSAND CULTURE1998 > MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH AND SPORTS CHAPTER2 SECTION4 3

In recent years,the AIIDS virus has become a serious social problem as AIDS cases increase drastically in every country around the world.In Japan,not only has the number of infected and patients increased,but AIDS has been spreading among the younger generation,especially among those in their twenties,and it has become a matter of urgency to take preventative measures against the future rapid spread of the virus.AIDS education is being conducted in schools through courses in Health and Physical Education,Moral Education and Special Activities.It aims to provide students with the capability to protect themselves against AIDS by teaching the basic facts concerning the virus routes of infection,prevention methods and otber necessary knowledge,as well as to foster respect of human rights by removing misunderstandings and prejudices against AD)S.In order to promote AIDS education,it is essential to enhance teaching materials,references for instruction and training programs for teachers,and also to establish systems for gathering and providing information.Specifically,the following measures are being promoted to enhance AIDS education:1)creation of teaching materials for elementary,lower and upper secondary school students,2)training programs directed towards school nurses,3)practical research for promoting AIDS education in the community,4)establishment of information networks concerning AIDS education.