Combating HIV and AIDS in South African construction through effective communication

Abstract

It is increasingly being recognized that the only viable means of preventing the spread of new HIV infections is sexual behavior change. Behavior change programs should include information on risk that is communicated often, repetitively and intensively to workers. Effective HIV and AIDS communication involves providing relevant and meaningful information accurately, consistently, reiteratively, and repetitively using multiple methods, mediums, and languages including vernacular, that build on previous HIV and AIDS knowledge while at the same time recognizing the differing personal backgrounds of workers in an environment conducive to open and uninhibited interaction. The authors argue from anecdotal evidence gathered during a series of national multi stakeholder workshops as well as the findings of knowledge, attitude and behavior (KAB) surveys of two samples, namely in South Africa and in Namibia, for greater involvement of construction employers in purposeful structured management led and targeted HIV and AIDS communication programs designed to influence sexual behavior. Considering that television and radio were the most popular and influential mediums of communication, employers are encouraged to support, reinforce and complement HIV and AIDS campaigns and messages via these mediums as part of primary health promotion programs. Further, the authors recommend that employers create opportunities for HIV and AIDS education of workers by their peers.