Alternative Strategies for HIV/AIDS Information Dissemination in Nigerian Rural Communities

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is a growing public health problem in Nigeria. In the absence of a vaccine for HIV and a cure for AIDS, primary prevention through targeted educational intervention is the most feasible strategy for controlling further spread of the virus in Nigeria. The bulk of prevention programmes are based on media campaigns, the majority of which are located in urban areas. This paper discusses the limitations of existing media programmes among rural dwellers and recommends alternative ways to meeting the HIV/AIDS education needs of the citizens living in rural communities. Health information practitioners involved in outreach could disseminate HIV and AIDS information to Nigerian rural dwellers through existing traditional communication channels: through heads of extended families, Youth Associations/Forums, Faith-Based Organizations, Market Women Associations, and Farmers Clubs/Association. The paper also discusses the role librarians in Nigeria can play in reaching out to people with HIV/AIDS as well as the application of Information and Communications Technology in accessing and disseminating HIV/AIDS information.

Key Words:

• HIV/AIDS
• information
• rural dwellers
• rural communities
• media
• Nigeria