Fighting HIV and AIDS Stigma in Northern Uganda

According to the organisers, the complex situation in Uganda - poverty and prolonged insurgency, high unemployment rates, constant population movement, gender-based violence, and stigma - made a multifaceted approach necessary. The project included the following key activities:

• HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns: Communication tools have included: radio programmes; information, education, and communication (IEC) materials; and public dance/drama performances. As an example of the latter, HIV/AIDS sensitisation was carried out through a series of drama and music sessions in 4 divisions of Gulu Municipality, reaching over 2,000 people. These sessions were designed to increase HIV/AIDS awareness by highlighting issues surrounding stigma, the care and support of HIV/AIDS patients, and the community's role in HIV/AIDS prevention.
• Training and advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs): About 328 PLWHAs were trained in positive living, positive prevention, drug adherence, reduced stigma, and orphans/vulnerable children childcare. According to the project, about 246 of those who received training openly declared their HIV/AIDS status, and some had even created drama groups in order to share their testimonies with others.
• Radio programmes focusing on reducing stigmatisation: EWA also used radio messages focusing on stigma and the care and support of PLWHAs. For example, over a period of 7 days, 2 spot messages were run 3 times a day on Mega FM, one of Gulu's radio stations. In total, 6 radio programmes were broadcast on Mega FM in 2008, reaching out to the population of 5 districts within Northern Uganda. People called in during the programmes for more information and wrote letters and/or visited the local EWA office to request more information, posters, and brochures.

According to the organisers, before beginning the project, EWA organised a consultative forum to discuss project strategies in order to avoid the duplication of services and to hear recommendations for how to best implement project activities. Not only were new ideas gained, but other organisations saw the need to increase their activities in relation to HIV/AIDS, and good working relationships were established with local leaders, whose support became invaluable to the project.

HIV/AIDS

The organisers state that many lessons were learned from the project - first, that drama presentations were the most effective communication tool in HIV/AIDS sensitisation, as drama presentations are believed to leave deep impressions on the minds of the audience. Second, sensitisation is not only important in combating ignorance on HIV/AIDS and stigma, but also in providing PLWHAs with the confidence to openly disclose their status. Third, local officials are integral to project implementation. Partnering with local leaders builds confidence within the community and allows for the sustainability of the programme.

Dating back to 1950 and formally established in 1968, WACC is an organisation that works to promote communication for social change. WACC mostly focuses on media diversity, equal and affordable access to communication and knowledge, media and gender justice, and the relationship between communication and power. The organisation works to address these issues through advocacy, education, training, and the creation and sharing of knowledge. It has a worldwide membership that works with faith-based and secular partners at grassroots, regional, and global levels, giving preference to the needs of economically poor groups.