The power of video in HIV prevention education in Ghana. Ebenezer Koomson1

Objectives: The 2011 Annual HIV Sentinel survey showed a higher prevalence rate (4.7%) for the Central Region of Ghana. The Regional Health Directorate having used many technological tools to support its social advocacy and... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives:
The 2011 Annual HIV Sentinel survey showed a higher prevalence rate (4.7%) for the Central Region of Ghana. The Regional Health Directorate having used many technological tools to support its social advocacy and sustainable behavioural change initiatives before decided to use video as the lead tool in education community members, targeting the sexually active groups and the vulnerable ones.

Methods:
Powerful health and social advocacy messages backed by role plays depicting HIV prevention and treatment activities in similar cultural and economic setting in rural sub-Saharan Africa were made. After editing by professional communicators and community powerbrokers, these videos with community members playing active roles in them were agreed upon as culturally sensitive and acceptable to be shown in towns and villages in the region. Points of delivery earmarked were schools, churches, village centres, recreational centres, tourist spots libraries, hospitals and workplace halls.
Results: The demand for copies of the video for utilization by individuals became so intense after the first phase of the programme that the directorate had to lend the copyright to a major media house to reproduce it in larger volumes across the country. There was an increasing trend in uptake of HIV testing -24326 people, ARV prophylaxis for pregnant women (610/650) school population reached -15737 , and community members accepting to use safer sexual practices- 1,200,554 , female and male condom sold 5,000,000.
Conclusions:
The video as a technological and communication tool for behavioural change for appropriate healthy practices is a must go area.