The Department of Basic Education HIV, STIs and TB Policy applies to all learners, educators, school support staff and officials in the Basic Education Sector at all public and
independent primary and secondary schools in the Republic of South Africa. The policy goals are: Improved coordination and mainstreaming of the Basic Education Sector's response to HIV and TB, to accelerate implementation of a comprehensive strategy for prevention, treatment, care and support; Increased knowledge, cognitive skills and information about life skills in general and HIV, STIs and TB in particular, to inform the life choices of all learners, educators, school support staff and officials and protect them from infection and disease; Improved access to HIV, STI and TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care and support services to reduce the incidence and impact of HIV and TB amongst learners, educators, school support staff and officials; Increased retention of learners, educators, school support staff and officials in a safe and protective education environment, to improve system efficiency, quality and output.