Bank of Ghana HIV/AIDS Preventive Education Programme - Ghana
The management of the Bank of Ghana realises that HIV/AIDS pandemic is not simply a medical issue. It has social, economic, security and developmental implications. The bank realises, again, that the scourge is so serious in Africa that it is essential and desirable that steps are taken to protect the valuable human resource in the Banking system.To the Bank, education is the only "vaccine" against HIV/AIDS. It is in view of these considerations that a workplace HIV/AIDS Education Programme is being organised at the Bank with financial assistance provided by the World Bank. This programme was launched in May 2001 and is planned for a period of 24 months. The programme aims at increasing the personal risk perception among the staff and their families towards acquisition of HIV infection and thereby promoting behavioural change.
Communication Strategies
After carrying out a baseline survey, various intervention activities (preventive education) have been organised. The messages of these include: promoting safer sex through emphasis on sexual abstinence, mutual faithfulness and reduction in sexual partners; promoting condoms as well as improvement in STD management; and promoting compassion and non-stigmatization for infected staff and relations.
The following media mix would be used: Lectures / Discussions; Focus Group Meetings; Posters; Hand Bills; Newsletter; Audio Visuals; One-on-one or Group Counselling; Hotline Telephone Service; and Drama. Work is also in progress toward the publication of a programme newsletter. Methods and messages will be based on the premise that success in HIV/AIDS education is facilitated: 1) When communication and education are carried out continuously based on long range strategies; 2) When intended target group is involved in planning, testing and even information dissemination; 3) When the messages are designed based on market research and tested, revised, and re-tested; 4) When materials get to receptive destinations; 5) When impact is carefully evaluated.
A baseline survey instrument was designed and administered to the Bank of Ghana staff between March 12, and April 3, 2001. A total of 1199 questionnaires were administered.The survey was aimed at establishing the present knowledge, attitudes and practices among the Bank staff regarding HIV/AIDS.
The following media mix would be used: Lectures / Discussions; Focus Group Meetings; Posters; Hand Bills; Newsletter; Audio Visuals; One-on-one or Group Counselling; Hotline Telephone Service; and Drama. Work is also in progress toward the publication of a programme newsletter. Methods and messages will be based on the premise that success in HIV/AIDS education is facilitated: 1) When communication and education are carried out continuously based on long range strategies; 2) When intended target group is involved in planning, testing and even information dissemination; 3) When the messages are designed based on market research and tested, revised, and re-tested; 4) When materials get to receptive destinations; 5) When impact is carefully evaluated.
A baseline survey instrument was designed and administered to the Bank of Ghana staff between March 12, and April 3, 2001. A total of 1199 questionnaires were administered.The survey was aimed at establishing the present knowledge, attitudes and practices among the Bank staff regarding HIV/AIDS.
Development Issues
HIV/AIDS
Sources
"1st Quarterly Report on the Bank of Ghana HIV/AIDS Education Programme - April to June 2001: Executive Summary"
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