COMBATING THE SCOURGE OF HIV/AIDS THROUGH RURAL DRAMA ENLIGHTENMENT CAMPAIGN

Abstract

Human Immuno deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are twin diseases tha that have H become very critical health issues, particularly in the developing countries of the world, which are worst hit by the incidence of the disesase. Nelson-Twakor (2003) reports that seventy per cent of the people living with HIV/AIDS are Africans. This is a very deplorable situation, moreso that a vaccine is yet to be developed for HIV, neither has a cure been found for AIDS. Since it was first recognized, a lot more information has been made available, yet much remains unknown and unconfirmed about the disease. Intensive research is being conducted, both on the scientific nature of the disease and the virus, its mode of transmission, incubation, etc., and the social manifestations.

Considering the incurable nature of this disease, the only way of curtailing its spread remains through non-transmission, and proper management of infected persons. This is best achieved through public enlightenment and enter-educate programmes. It is against this backdrop that an Ibadan-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) embarked on a rural drama campaign to enlighten the people of the chosen communities about the nature of the disease. The focus of the campaign was informed by the fact that many people in the urban areas are believed to be sufficiently conversant with the causes, effects and management of HIV/AIDS. The NGO in question Action Against AIDS, Drug Abuse and Social Vices (known for short as Triple 'A'DS) embarked on this campaign with the financial assistance of World Bank (HIV/AID Fund 1).