14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain — July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12;14:Abstract No. E11402

ISSUES: HIV/AIDS having been identified as deadly phenomenon is receiving world attention and a lot is been done on it not only as an accident of history but also as a phenomenon. Because of the level of development and literacy in the third world, the attention being given to the issue particularly, in Nigeria, seem to be inadequate and inappropriate. From the stage of contact, too much emphasy is placed on sexual factors which happens to be, one out of the many sources of contact. At the level of control, because of the inadequate information on sources of contact, much emphasy is also laid on the use of condom as an AIDS infection control device. In some cases advertorials on AIDS could better be described as adverts for condom.

Because of the inadequate information on HIV/AIDS in the third world, peoples attitude and disposition to PLWHA could best be described as unencouraging. There are cases where some employers are reported to have sacked employees for testing positive to HIV. In some cases these employees might not have been diagnosed for having a fully blown AIDS. This means, in essence that many people (educated people inclusive) cannot distinguish between someone with HIV and another with AIDS.

DESCRIPTION: This paper will analyse the fundamental principles of effective communication with a view towards imbibing them into the activities of NGOs and Goverment Departments working on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and possibly other third world countries.

LESSON LEARNED: The use of inappropriate words and symbols may not pass across the exact information needed to be disseminated. Once an information does not have a shared meaning, then its motive is completely defeated.

CONCLUSIONS: The study recommends that appropriate words and symbols be employed in information dissemination, particularly on an issue that is as sensitive as HIV/AIDS.

Presenting author: Segun Festus Osisanya

1CIMN, The Chartered Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, 1, Osinbajo Close, Behind 256, Ikorodu Road, Obanikoro, Lagos, Nigeria.

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E11402

Copyright © 2002 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.