The Communication Initiative

[Kathleen Van Buren]

This is a contribution from KATHLEEN NOSS BUREN to the Communication and Media for effective HIV/AIDS policy discussion in the lead up to the Mexico City AIDS International AIDS Conference - see opening orientation note

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Hello all,

Many thanks for the good dialogue. Others have already raised a number of critical issues. From my research experience (mainly in Nairobi, Kenya, and a bit in Cameroon), the following are important issues to consider:

* Support systems (for testing, treatment, care) are essential. In some cases, community education programs are effective in encouraging people to be tested or otherwise change their behavior. However, the individuals who develop the education programs don't always have the facility or funding to also provide testing and treatment. There must be support networks in place.

* Approaches to HIV and AIDS work must be holistic. Too often AIDS is addressed as an isolated concern, when in fact it is deeply connected to other issues, e.g. poverty, gender issues, etc. Also, in some cases, funding is pulled from work on other issues in order to target AIDS. For example, funding may be pulled from organizations which do not only target AIDS orphans, but also care for orphans who have lost parents for other reasons. This puts organizations in a difficult position -- stop other work, be dishonest about what they do, ?.

* As others have asserted, arts (music, dance, drama, puppetry, etc.) can play a vital role in preventative education programs. There are many reasons for this, including that communities may be tired of hearing about HIV and AIDS but may still be intrigued by innovative approaches to these issues (e.g. attracted to performances, willing to explore issues through creative means).

* Different stakeholders need to work together. For instance, it was emphasized to me by friends in Cameroon that Christian and Muslim leaders should communicate with each other and work together in communities.

From a Sheffield (UK) perspective, I'd add that young people and others often don't see HIV and AIDS as concerns, since medication is now available. They don't realize how much lives can change due to HIV even if medication is available.

Best wishes,
Katie Van Buren


Kathleen Noss Van Buren, Ph.D.
Lecturer in Ethnomusicology
Department of Music
University of Sheffield
38 Taptonville Road
Sheffield, S10 5BR
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 114 222 0497
Fax: +44 (0) 114 222 0469
E-mail: (k.j.vanburen@sheffield.ac.uk)

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