Zakama KL, Mijinyawa H, Idogho O, Okekearu I; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. ThPeD7863.
ActionAid Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
Issues: Reaching disadvantaged groups with education on HIV prevention and care is a challenge in developing countries. There are about 12 million nomadic pastoralists in Nigeria and they are unreached because they are highly mobile, inaccessible, non-literate and non-targeted. There also cultural and social factors that hinder access to HIV prevention and care among this group. Thus, the campaign against HIV and AIDS does not reach nomadic pastoralists despite their large number. Descriptions: The paper will highlight efforts taken to mainstream HIV prevention and care into work with nomadic pastoralists in North Central Nigeria. It involves an analysis of sources and reliability (trustworthiness) of information for the pastoralists and how this knowledge was put to use to design and implement HIV prevention and care education for this group. Social and cultural factors were adequately analysed through on-settlement focus group discussions. The pastoralists were also empowered to participate in planning appropriate strategies to reach their own with education on HIV and AIDS. Their capacity to participate in the implementation of the activities was built through on-settlement workshops using participatory methodologies. Lessons learnt: An effective way to reach disadvantaged and minority groups is through empowerment and participation so that they can determine which services they need and how these needs can be met. HIV prevention and care education can only be effective when it is socially and culturally relevant to the socio-economic values and practices of disadvantaged groups. Recommendations: Appropriate models for reaching disadvantaged groups and minorities with HIV prevention and care in a specific country should be developed and deployed, with the empowerment and active participation of the people as a key element.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Developing Countries
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Education
- Health Planning
- Health Planning Guidelines
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Interpersonal Relations
- Minority Groups
- Nigeria
- Research
- Sex Education
- education
- prevention & control
Other ID:
UI: 102281631
From Meeting Abstracts