ROLE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN HIV/AIDS HEALTH COMMUNICATION IN SLUMS (A Case of Kawangware Division, Nairobi Kenya)

Abstract

Purpose: Information and Communication Technologies are key elements of a civil society response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, enabling advocacy, mobilization, and empowerment of People Living with HIV (PLWHA), women, and other vulnerable groups. This study sought to investigate the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in HIV/AIDS Health Communication in slums through a case study of a project sponsored by AfriAfya in Kawangware division, Nairobi Kenya. AfriAfya, also known as the African Network for Health Knowledge Management and Communication, is a consortium of health NGOs namely: Aga Khan Health Services; African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF); CARE Kenya; Christian Health Association of Kenya; HealthNet Kenya; the Ministry of Health, Kenya; PLAN International; and World Vision International, Kenya. AfriAfya was set up in April 2000 to explore the ways of harnessing ICTs for community health in rural and marginalized communities.  The study was guided by the following specific objectives: (i) to analyze the ICT interventions and tools used in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Kenya; to examine the benefits derived from adoption of ICTs in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Kenyan slums; to assess the challenges faced in the adoption of ICTs in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the slums in Kenya; and to recommend strategies on how best to employ ICTs in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Kenyan slums.

Methods: The data collected by this study was analyzed by descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies and tables. In addition, standard deviations and mean scores were used to present information pertaining to the study objectives. The information was presented and discussed as per the objectives and research questions of the study.

Findings: Findings of the study indicate that all the four objectives were met as follows:- The tools used in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Kenya were established as being e-mail discussion groups, Internet, Dissemination of information on World Wide Web (www), Radio, Television, and  Distance learning systems. The interventions used in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Kenya were established as being Prevention:-Dissemination of prevention messages as well as prevention services to target groups such as commercial sex workers; School Based Education:- Education and life skills training in the schools for effecting appropriate behavioral changes among youth; and Education of Health Care Workers :- ICTs are being used to improve access to information, education, and communication for health workers using, Internet, email discussion groups, and distance learning systems. The benefits derived from adoption of ICTs in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Kenyan slums were determined as being Social change; empowerment and reduction of vulnerability; advocacy, mobilization, networking and capacity building; Remote consultations and diagnosis; Information sharing; Remote mentoring; Facilitation of Distance learning teaching; and Online Counseling. The challenges of adoption of the ICTs in HIV/AIDS Health Communication were established as being: - Limited connectivity; Poor ICT infrastructure status; High costs of accessing the Internet; and Language barrier.

Key Words: Information & Communication Technology, HIV/AIDS, Community Based Organizations.