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Abstract
National HIV testing awareness campaign for African communities in England
E. Phiri1, W. Gillgower2, C. Traore3, C. Coope4, S. Mwendapole5
Issues:
Africans in Britain form the second largest social group affected by HIV/Aids. Increasing HIV infections, undiagnosed and late diagnosis of HIV infection continues to be the main problems facing African’s in UK. The promotion of voluntary confidential HIV testing can prevent further HIV transmission.
Description:
In 2003, the Department of Health commissioned the National African HIV Prevention Programme to design and implement a national mass media campaign. The campaign, called ‘Its better to Know’, aimed to raise awareness and provide culturally appropriate information to encourage HIV testing among African communities in England. The campaign, which comprised of posters, booklets, wallet and T-shirts used a novel approach. It included a national mass media component together with regional outreach activities at sports and other community events. Distribution of campaign materials, targeted at venues popular with African’s such as barber shops and restaurants. Advertisements were placed in appropriate national and local magazines publications.
Lessons learned:
- 9 regional partner organizations delivered outreach campaign activities in 27 different sites across 8 regions of England demonstrating a coordinated national approach to health promotion, covering 97 outreach activities, each attracting 1 and 500 people.
- 1-2-1 sessions in outreach activities provided opportunities for African people to air their concerns why some of them do not go for HIV tests.
- High risk people refused to consider HIV test because of the stigma attached to HIV.
- Campaign beneficiaries included African communities in general and specific groups such as asylum seekers and refugees.
Recommendations:
- Campaigns targeting specific groups should ensure participation of representatives of those groups in planning, design and delivery.
- New partner relationships require an intense level of support and investment, with training delivered prior to implementation of activities.
- Campaign materials targeted at general African communities should be translated in other African languages.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
THPE0519
Suggested Citation
"E.Phiri, et al.
National HIV testing awareness campaign for African communities in England.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
THPE0519"
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