| dc.description.abstract | HIV/AIDS was declared a national disaster in Kenya in 1999 despite the fact that the first case of HIV infection was reported early 80's. Since then there have been spirited efforts by both international, national and institutions to address the scourge. Despite all these efforts HIVjAIDS preference remained high till 2002 when President Mwai Kibaki declared Total War on AIDS. This meant that all national institutions were to streamline HIVAIDS in their operations.
Since there is no cure for HIV j AIDS, current HIV j AIDS research and treatment is being directed in three areas - using available drugs more safely and effectively, developing new and better medicines and developing AIDS vaccine but above all putting in place strategic behavior change communication initiatives. The absence of an AIDS vaccine or cure means that the only possible intervention aimed at reducing HIVjAIDS infections is to clearly put in place an effective communication strategy that is well targeted and professional constituted.
University of Nairobi recognized the importance of formulating a policy to address HIV/AIDS which is anchored on the overall Ministry of Education policy. The main purpose of the policy is to ensure that response to HIV j AIDS initiatives is all-inclusive, effective and well-coordinated.
This research was to evaluate the content and channels of HIVjAIDS in place at the University of Nairobi with the aim of identifying strengths, weakness and opportunities in the delivery of HIVjAIDS information to the University community.
Therefore the main objectives of this research were-to establish the level of the policy implementation, establish levels of awareness and effectiveness of the communication strategies used at the University of Nairobi.
The research started with the hypothesis that inappropriate design and dissemination of HIVjAIDs messages has a direct bearing on the impact of HIVjAIDS prevention and care among the target population. This means that for the society to continue registering low infection rates communication has to be consistent and disseminated using appropriate channels.
The study also examined the knowledge levels of the students on matters related to HIVjAIDS. The data analyzed revealed that there is still a high level of ignorance and lack of seriousness among the students.
The study findings revealed that HIV j AIDS communication is limited to teaching the compulsory HIVjAIDS courses to first year students. Other communication is adhoc and does not involve the target audience in deciding on the messages and the appropriate channels. In addition there are many challenges that stand on the way in HIV j AIDS communication. The main ones were lack of funds and the stigma associated with HIVjAIDS. Whilst the University has in place the necessary infrastructure to disseminate information on HIVjAIDS, still there is more it can achieve if the unit responsible for disseminating the information is well facilitated and it works closely with other stakeholders.
The study concludes that Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) programs for HIV prevention should address environmental conditions as well as individual behavior. Carefully planned, well-executed BCC strategies can help change social attitudes and norms, cultural practices and other environmental factors that influence individual behavior. | en |
