If knowledge is power then Indicator 14 is perhaps one of the more important measures of a countries response to HIV.

 

Knowing how one can reduce their risk of exposure to HIV, and equally importantly reduce the risk of passing on HIV to partners and children is a vital part of a person’s basic human right to bodily integrity. Just as obvious is the fact that knowledge reduces stigma and discrimination and creates a more open and caring space for all people in a society.

 

Many misconceptions abound on how HIV can be contracted (and cured) and having accurate information that is based on science rather than misinformation or myths is fundamental to responsible and respectful behavior. This said, it cannot be taken for granted that having knowledge leads to changes in behavior. However, there is evidence that it significantly contributes to more sensible decision making processes, especially in lowering risk of exposure, in accessing pre and/or post-exposure prophylaxis, or in interactions with PLHIV.

 

HIV education can happen through many different mediums: lessons (in schools, workplaces, and community meetings), literature (books, pamphlets, comic strips, newspapers, and posters), theatre, music, radio and TV, and modern social information and communication technology (ICT) such as Facebook, Twitter and Mxit Mobile Chat. A variety of people share their knowledge from medical doctors to nurses, business leaders, people living with HIV, children affected by HIV, famous performers and the ordinary citizen. The form that education takes might be spectatorial or participative, it may be scientific or education entertainment driven, what is important is that it effectively caters to the target audience.

 

Relevant target audiences

 

Although in the earlier years of the epidemic HIV education campaigns or behavior change communication largely focused on staying HIV negative, over time education campaigns on how to live positively, supporting people affected and infected, accessing HIV counseling and testing (HCT), and treatment have all been key areas of education campaigns. Increasingly there is an awareness and implementation of positive prevention too.

 

LGBT

 

As discussed in previous element reports and the Framework Report attached to the AAI Scorecard on LGBT (available on our website) LGBT people face particular barriers in accessing all healthcare as well as adequate quality healthcare and prevention for HIV and AIDS. Elevated levels of risk make these individuals more vulnerable and targeted education campaigns are necessary to inform them of what they can do to protect themselves, their loved ones, and in the case of nosocomial infections their colleagues. Addressing relevant barriers, issues and identifying particular solutions and routes specific to LGBT should obviously form part of any targeted LGBT education programme.

 

General population

 

All too often campaigns only target the victims and not the perpetrators. Education campaigns that increase the knowledge of the general population are also necessary to supply them with the knowledge so as to reduce homo-prejudice, reduce stigma and discrimination, and allow many in this group to be able to do their jobs in conjunction with LGBT in an open, caring and effective manner. In some countries, same sex activities or identities are criminalized and this creates in the general population an overt fear, hatred and other negative and unhelpful behaviors and attitudes. Knowledge plays a key role in reducing this destructive behavior and creates more inclusionary and constructive environment for all.

 

PLHIV

 

Positive prevention, now also called positive health, dignity and prevention, “highlights and links issues of HIV treatment, prevention, support and care within a human rights framework. Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention highlight the importance of placing the person living with HIV at the centre of managing their health and wellbeing.”^[i]

 

Children

 

Education campaigns that are aimed at children often cause controversy. Sexuality and gender identity however are issues that many children face. HIV and AIDS also affects or infects many children. An open, sensitive, age-targeted education campaign that addresses not just HIV but gender identity and sexual orientation can go far in assisting young children in dealing with relevant issues. Increasingly, campaigns aimed at adolescents and children are being developed as they often form a captive audience in the school environment, and catches them before they become sexually active thus ensuring that at sexual debut they are already starting off on the right foot.

 

Prisoners

 

Prisoners are also particularly vulnerable, not only to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, but also for Tuberculosis. Both consensual sex and rape pose situations in which protection are not often enough provided against transmission. High rates of injecting, and the reduced access to clean paraphernalia also pose increased risk exposure.  Tattooing and cutting also pose dangers.

 

HIV education, as well as other health issues, form an integral part of risk reduction in prisons and should be prioritized by all governments globally. In a world where governments do not do “good things for bad people” prisoners are often neglected and their human rights flouted. Approaches that educate, support and protect prisoners are often justified by protecting their partners and society upon their release. Albeit relevant this is not sufficient to deny a lifetime prisoner a lack of access to HIV education and access to antiretrovirals (ARV), for example.