Workshop in Kenya builds communication skills around HIV and AIDS

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Reflections on AfriAfya

HIV and AIDS communication/Key points: Workshop report October 2002

Learning ‘how to communicate more effectively making the most of limited resources’ was the outcome for one participant at an eight-day training workshop organised by the Kenya-based AfriAfya network and Exchange.

More than 30 participants attended the workshop which was held near Mombasa, Kenya from 22-29 October 2002. Participants focused on how to improve communication around HIV and AIDS, drawing on their experience in their communities. It explored:

• characteristics of good and bad communication
• challenges faced at community level when communicating around HIV and AIDS
• the importance of face-to-face communication
• effective interviewing skills
• how to prepare and undertake a field visit to identify knowledge, attitudes and practices among specific members of a community
• how to analyse and present findings from field research to a variety of different audiences using different formats and methods
• how to critically assess different communication and documentation materials
• why and how to document experiences and lessons
• how to make and test effective, appropriate and low cost communication materials.

Findings from community discussions

As part of the workshop, participants met with 15 community health workers. There were several significant findings:

• There is a lack of consistent use of condoms.
• Cultural practices such as sharing sharp instruments and sexual practices around funerals contribute to HIV transmission.
• Many men are reluctant to use family planning.
• Possible side effects of various family planning methods cause concern.

A group of 17 young people also met with the workshop participants. Their perspective included:

• the early initiation of girls to sexual activity – as young as seven
• lack of practical experience of using condoms.

The community discussions helped participants to identify ways to improve communication and documentation.

Full report

More on HIV and AIDS communication