THE INFLUENCE OF ABULE OLOKE-MEJE RADIO PROGRAMME IN THE REDUCTION OF THE SPREAD OF HIV/AIDS

ABSTRACT

This study basically examines the influence of abule oloke-meje radio programme in the reduction of the spread of HIV/AIDS in Ogun State and three areas selected for sampling area for the project. In doing this, a sample of hundred respondents was used. Numerous problems were identified as being the obstacles against the programme (Abule-Oloke-Meje). Notable among these problems are: low awareness of the programme, poor electricity production and distribution, the programme is not accessible to all because, it is not aired on all radio stations, and it has not been achieving its said objective because of its limited awareness. In view of this problems some variables tested brought about this recommendation among others, that the Society for Family Health (SFH) and National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) should be genuinely involved in its preparation in order for the programme to fulfill all its desired objectives. Also, the public awareness about the programme is limited, therefore, their should be more sensitization of the programme.     

        

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background to the Study

Wikipedia defined Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) as a disease of the human immune system caused by infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). During the initial infection, a person may experience a brief period of influenza-like illness which is typically followed by a prolonged period without symptoms. As the illness progresses, it interferes more and more with the immune system, making the person much more likely to get infections, including opportunistic infections and tumors that do not usually affect people who have working immune systems. HIV is transmitted primarily via unprotected sexual intercourse (including anal and even oral sex), contaminated blood transfusions, hypodermic needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery or breast feeding. Some bodily fluids, such as saliva and tears, do not transmit HIV.

            Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which originated in non-human primates during the late 19th or early century (UNAIDS, 2006). Two types of HIV infect humans; HIV-1 and HIV-2,HIV-1 is more virulent, is more easily transmitted and is the cause of the vast majority of HIV infection globally. The pandemic strain of HIV-1 is closely related to a virus found in the chimpanzees of the sub-species pan troglodytes, which live in the forests of the central African nations of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Garbon, Republic of Congo (or Congo-Brazzaville) and Central African Republic. HIV-2 is less transmittable and is largely confined to West Africa along with its closest relative, a virus of the sooty mangabey (cer cocebus aty atys), an old world monkey inhabitating southern Senegal, Guinea, Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Western Ivory Coast.

            The first two cases of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria were identified in 1985 and were reported at an international AIDS conference in 1986. In 1987 the Nigerian health sector established the National AIDS Advisory Committee, which was shortly followed by the establishment of the National Expert Advisory Committee on AIDS (NEACA).

            UNAIDS (2006) submits that at first the Nigerian government was slow to respond to the increasing rates of HIV transmission and it was only in 1991, that the Federal Ministry of Health made their first attempt to assess Nigeria’s AIDS situation.

            Due to the fact that HIV/AIDS has no remedies, the Society for Family Health (SFH) in collaboration with the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) launched in radio programme in August 2004 named “ABULE OLOKE MEJE” and still functioning till date. The 30 minutes drama is broadcast in Yoruba and pidgin English across some states in Nigeria and it is also designed to educate the public about the need to live a healthy life and curb the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS).

“Abule Oloke Meje” is expected to produce a significant improvement in the disposition and behaviour of the people. Furthermore, the use of drama combined with instruction in the local language improved participation and interest from listeners. This study therefore examines the influence of “Abule oloke meje” radio programme on the people of some selected areas in Odeda Local Government of Ogun State in Nigeria.

1.2     Statement of the Problem

HIV/AIDS and other diseases not only threaten the lives of millions of people around the globe, they also hamper economic growth and international development. They not only bring tragedy to one person, but also to the community and country. HIV/AIDS also puts additional pressure on the health workers and strips families of their assets, and income earners further impoverishing the poor which also reduces food production. Therefore, this study seeks to provide empirical evidence on the influence of “ABULE OLOKE MEJE” radio programme in the reduction of the spread of STIs and HIV/AIDS in Ogun State in Nigeria.

1.3     Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this study are:

(1)               to find out the perception of people about the radio theatre health programme;

(2)               to investigate the extent to which the programme has helped reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS among the people;

(3)               to determine whether the language and vocabulary used in the programme is really adequate and easily comprehended by the listeners;

(4)               to examine whether or not the radio drama is an effective method of promoting healthy living among the people in the communities;

(5)               to determine if or not the programme is reaching the target audience; and

(6)               to identify the challenges facing the programme in achieving its objectives.

1.4     Research Questions

            The following research questions are hereby raised to serve as anchor for the study.

(1)               What are the perceptions of people about the radio programme?

(2)               Has the radio programme helped in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS among the people in the community:

(3)               Is the language and vocabulary used for the programme adequate and easily comprehended by the listeners?

(4)               Is the programme effective in promoting healthy living among the people in the communities?

(5)               Do the target people have access to the programme or listen to it?

(6)               What are the solutions to the identified challenges? 

1.5     Significance of the Study

            It is expected that the result obtained from this study will be of great value to the Society for Family Health (SFH) and National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA). This study is also expected to draw the attention of government and the communities at large on how to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS through public orientation and sensitization.   

1.6     Scope of the Study 

This study will be carried out in Osiele, Agbetu and Odeda communities in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State in Nigeria.

1.7     Operational Definitions of Terms

Confined: The restriction of HIV-2 to certain limits in some countries.  

Collaboration: Working together of society for family health and National Action Council of AIDS.

Pandemic: The occurrence of HIV/AIDS over a whole country or a wide area.

AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

 

HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

STI: Sexually transmitted infections.

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