Abstract #168  -  Scaling up Community sensitization on the fight against HIV&AIDS through puppetry and folk media raised HIV&AIDS awareness among MARPs in Zanzibar
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Mr SULEIMAN OMAR - ZANZIBAR AIDS COMMISSION
Additional Authors:
Aim: Zanzibar AIDS Commission was established in 2002 to coordinate the national response to HIV&AIDS in Zanzibar, among other strategies, the scaling up of community through mass media, modern or folk media are used as important strategy in sensitizing the community on the fight against the HIV epidemic.
Method / Issue: Zanzibar AIDS Commission (ZAC) in partnership with various HIV&AIDS stakeholders has opened a new front line in the fight against HIV & AIDS and other related diseases, by using community sensitization through puppetry and folk media shows, which are aimed at raising awareness on HIV and AIDS among the MARPs (MSM, CSW, IDU, Youth, fishermen). 38 live performances were staged at different community areas in the country. The issues were identified were, Stigma and discrimination, Denial and lack of confidentiality in the community, emerging trends in teen behavior and Silence in community in addressing HIV&AIDS issues
Results / Comments: A multi-sectoral involvement of active HIV&AIDS stakeholders have resulted in the implementation of capacity building of HIV and AIDS implementers in the area of advocacy. More than 300,000 HIV & AIDS implementers were exposed to knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention so as to reduce new HIV infections. Currently all districts have been reached through puppetry and folk media performance, and according to THMIS, 2008 and Zanzibar AIDS Commission Annual M&E report, 2007/08, have indicated that, positive behavior change is now practical among Zanzibaris, as pre-marital testing and 20.3% of women and 32.9% of men who had higher risk sex and used condoms, role plays help in creativity imagination of other’s behavior and feelings. 57.7% of women and 62.5% of men are willing to care for a family member with the AIDS virus in the respondent's home; 90.5% of women and 94.6% of men% are willing to care for a family member with the AIDS virus in their homes; and 63.3% of women and 75.4% of men would buy fresh vegetables from shopkeeper who has the AIDS virus (THMIS, 2008), this means that, there is a reduction of stigma and discrimination in Zanzibar. 82.0% of women and 83.2% of men know where to get an HIV test
Discussion: Theatre ( puppetry and folk media) is an art, and such it mirrors or reflects on society ……. life, it does not try to encompass the whole of life at once rather it select focuses on a part of the total picture. Selectivity therefore, is a key principle of theatre. The relationship between the performers and audience is live, each is in other’s presence, in the same place at the same time. It is this exchange between the audience and performer that not only gives theatre its unique quality, but also leads to behavioral change among the Most at Risk Population (MARPs).
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