The teacher was busy writing on the chalkboard. It was time for health talk. She turned round suddenly. She saw Alilak bending down doing something. “Who is that bending down there?” She asked. Alilak raised up her head and stood up. “What were you doing?” She asked. “I was cutting my finger nails” Alilak stammered. “In the class?” Asked the teacher. “Sorry, ma, I was afraid of punishment”. “Who gave you that blade?” The teacher asked. “I picked it up from the ground outside” answered Alilak. “Ah, that’s very dangerous!” The teacher exclaimed.
The teacher now turned to the whole class. “Why is it dangerous to use another person’s razor blade to cut your finger nails? Many of the pupils raised up their hands. “Yes Audu”. “The owner of the blade may have a disease” answered Audu. “What type of disease can be caught through such a sharp object?” Asked the teacher. “AIDS” answered Tola. “Apart from using another person’s razor blade, can you mention other things that can cause HIV/AIDS?”
“Yes, Okon”
“Using unsterilized needle can cause HIV/AIDS”. “Good, yes Fatima”
“Using unsterilized syringe for injection”
“Good, yes Uche”
“Using a knife or any other sharp object on the body”. “Good of you all. You still remember everything about the talk on HIV and AIDS” remarked the teacher.
“There are other causes which you will learn about later” added the teacher.
“Alilak be more careful next time. Buy your own razor blade. Cut your nails at home and not in the class”. The teacher concluded.
QUESTIONS:
What was the teacher preparing for?
Who was bending down?
Why was Alilak cutting her finger nails in the class?
From where did Alilak pick up the blade?
Did she know the owner of the last user?
Why did the teacher turn to the whole class?
What was Tola’s answer?
What can unsterilized needle or syringe cause?
What do people use syringe for?
Has the class learnt about all the causes of HIV and AIDS?