Behaviour Change Communication for Avoidance of HIV/AIDS Infections in Nigeria

The project was established to reverse HIV/AIDS trend in Akwa Ibom State in Ikono and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas (LGAs), which the organisers say, "stands at 21% prevalence rate, second highest in Nigeria".

The programme is designed to increase knowledge of HIV/AIDS and how to avoid it. It promotes AIDS prevention behaviour among young adults, stimulates interpersonal communication about HIV/AIDS, upholds safer sexual behaviour including use of condoms and mobilises community support by working to reduce stigma.

The project uses strategies that include:

• Holding stakeholders workshop, selecting and training already popular traditional folk musicians to incorporate HIV/AIDS prevention care and support messages in their music,
• Organising live concerts in selected locations,
• Developing materials on the programme and mobilising print and electronic media to broadcast the release of HIV/AIDS content music.
• Organising promotions to mobilise listenership on radios and television as well as mass participation at concerts.

The initial survey that focused on "male sexuality behaviour and teenage pregnancies" in the area indicated certain obstacles to behaviour change for HIV/AIDS prevention. This included the attitudes of men that believe that real men cannot be infected, believe in cure-all herbal remedies that reinforces resistance to condom use, believe that condom diminishes sexual satisfaction, and believe that HIV/AIDS is disease for the rich.

HIV/AIDS, Gender.

The project organisers expect that support would be generated from diverse stakeholders for appropriate dissemination of project related information. The central expected outcome is behaviour change and reduction in new infections.