Communication Strategies in the Management of HIV and AIDS in Kisii County, Kenya: Successes and Gaps

Abstract

Although interventions on HIV and AIDS in Kisii County have been ongoing for over ten years, the County’s infection rates are among the highest in Kenya. The purpose of this paper is to describe stakeholder communication strategies and tools in the management of HIV and AIDS interventions in the County. A sample of 73 informants drawn from 16 selected hospitals in the County was identified. The sample included, sex workers, officials of units affiliated to the National AIDS Control Council (NACC), and one Community Based Organisation (CBO). Data was collected using interviews, analysis of communication documents used to put to effect HIV and AIDS intervention. Further, an analysis of the websites of selected stakeholders was done to elicit their communication strategies. Findings revealed that interpersonal communication strategies used by peer navigators, mentor mothers and among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) were the most effective in the interventions against HIV and AIDS in the County. Mobilization was also found to be effective in targeting sex workers and Men who have sex with men (MSM). It emerged that the audiences targeted by the communication strategies were PLHIV and sex workers. The general population, men, the youth and other key populations were not effectively targeted. The study concludes that the communication strategies, as packaged, may not be effective in bringing about significant behaviour change among vulnerable populations. The paper recommends tailor-made communication s