Communication Strategies in the Management of HIV and AIDS in Kisii County, Kenya: Successes and Gaps
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Date
2019
Authors
Nyakundi, Augustus Onchari
Maroko, Geoffrey Mokua
Mokua, Gladys Nyamoita
Onyambu, Meshack Ondora
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Communication Research
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
Description
Research Article
Keywords
HIV and AIDS interventions, Communication strategies, Tools, Outcomes
Citation
Nyakundi, A. O., Maroko, G. M., Mokua, G. N., & Onyambu, M. O. (2019). Communication strategies in the management of HIV and Aids in kisii county, kenya: successes and gaps. International Journal of Communication Research, 9(4), 339-350.