AEGiS-15IAC: Setting up of the participatory approach within the communities of Elf Axe Lourd, Brazzaville, Tractafric (Grand Canyon), Nkolmitag (Quartier Terminus) and Non Glace Aeroport in Douala, Cameroon.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Setting up of the participatory approach within the communities of Elf Axe Lourd, Brazzaville, Tractafric (Grand Canyon), Nkolmitag (Quartier Terminus) and Non Glace Aeroport in Douala, Cameroon.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10186)

Batoum PJ
Institution (Espoir+), Douala, Cameroon

ISSUES: Widespread sensitisation campaigns about the risks of HIV/AIDS have so far not sufficiently involved the grassroots populations. This has led to a communication gap so that the target populations have remained in ignorance about the grave dangers they face. Against this backdrop, the participatory approach was used in trying to remedy this situation.

DESCRIPTION: The inhabitants of 5 urban communities in Douala, Cameroon were subjected to a series of meetings and public discussions organised by the Douala-based non-governmental organisation Espoir+, during which their awareness about HIV/AIDS were assessed. In each case, they themselves identified the various factors favouring the spread of the disease, ranking them in order of importance. On the basis of these classifications, a comparative matrix was used to determine that ignorance, i.e. insufficient knowledge of HIV/AIDS was the most prevalent factor of all.

LESSONS LEARNED: Ignorance as concerns the modes of transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS as well as characteristic symptoms of the disease were identified as the principal cause of the spread of the pandemic. It globally encompassed and resulted to the other factors such as unprotected sex and the use of unsterilised objects which ranked next.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The formation of local committees to combat HIV/AIDS is imperative, laying emphasis on improving basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Aspects of the plan of action related to solidarity and care of PLWHA should be undertaken with great tact and absolute confidentiality, this with the involvement of community-based medical personnel. Finally, PLWHA should be encouraged to come forward for public testimonies during sensitisation sessions.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Unsafe Sex, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Health Planning, Organizations, Health Planning Guidelines, Cameroon, Research, Knowledge, Demography, Communication, organization & administration

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