Vol. 18 No. 1 (2009): Nordic Journal of African Studies
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Problematic Recipe: Alternatives to Public Health Education to Reduce the HIV Pandemic

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  • Francis Ebenezer Godwyll,
  • Elizabeth Kaluki Ngumbi
Francis Ebenezer Godwyll
Ohio University, USA
Elizabeth Kaluki Ngumbi
Ohio University, USA
Nordic Journal of African Studies
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53228/njas.v18i1.227

Published 2009-03-31

How to Cite

Godwyll, F. E., & Ngumbi, E. K. (2009). Problematic Recipe: Alternatives to Public Health Education to Reduce the HIV Pandemic. Nordic Journal of African Studies, 18(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.53228/njas.v18i1.227

Abstract

This paper problematizes the manner in which health education messages, especially HIV/AIDS messages in sub-Saharan Africa, are transmitted to the population. It challenges the top-down method of disseminating health education information and suggests a culturally sensitive and relevant bottom-up approach. Culture consideration in message construction and cultural context decoding is supported by Airhihenbuwa (1995); Dutta-Bergman (2004, 2005). Complicating the situation further is the hegemonic masculinity that characterizes most cultures in the sub-region. Thus we contend that alternatives to health education should bring men on board in partnership with women as agents of change to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. The article adopts an approach of a critical literature review augmented by interview data from eight media practitioners. Some pragmatic solutions are put forth.

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