10th International AIDS Conference Yokohama, Japan — Aug 7-12, 1994

Int Conf AIDS 1994 Aug 7-12; 10:399 (abstract no. PD0776)
Kengmo P, Lurie M, Metangmo P; Johns Hopkins University.

OBJECTIVES: Communication in rural Africa represents an important challenge to all of us involved in health and development. We wish to share with AIDS educators, international organizations, researchers, scientists, NGOs and donors an approach that used local culture to involve populations in AIDS education and prevention in nine villages of Cameroon.

METHODOLOGY: Project AH TA-AH (a local term that connotes the image of AIDS to people in the villages involved) was funded by USAID through The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. Mr. Paul Kengmo, an internationally renowned artist from Western Cameroon, designed an approach that recognizes that a local population understands best its own history, leaders, practices, resources and constraints.

RESULTS: AIDS prevention and education messages were communicated through dialogue, proverbs, songs, music and dance, as led by project artists and local community groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Respect of rural communities and their culture best allows health educators to work with groups and involve them directly in AIDS education and prevention. The involvement of a community's art forms and culture and its continued participation are essential for the success and sustainability of all health and development projects.

Copyright © 1994 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.