The Role of Information in the Reduction and Prevention of Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Africa

Abstract

The single most significant factor responsible for the reduction of life expectancy in Africa is HIV/AIDS. This scourge became so threatening that in 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency of the United Nations organized a World HIV/AIDS Summit. At that Summit, it was clear that public information and education remained the most powerful weapon in the fight against the growing challenge. This provided the spur for the author to develop the idea further. The primary objective of this paper, therefore, is to investigate the role of information and education in the curbing or preventing of HIV/AIDS. The findings confirm that effective dissemination of information and education of the populace – young and old alike – will help to reduce or prevent the high incidence of the scourge. It is, therefore, recommended that the level of information dissemination – formal and informal – should be intensified.

KEYWORDS: HIV/AIDS – Africa; HIV/AIDS – Causes and Prevention
HIV/AIDS – Nigeria