Role of Puppetry in the Dissemination of Culturally Sensitive Messages in HIV/AIDS Associated Behaviour Change Communication

This presentation explores the use of puppetry as a medium for communicating health and development messages in Kenya, based on the experiences of the Africa Alive! project. According to the presenter, puppetry has proved effective in delivering messages on sensitive topics such as HIV/AIDS, STIs, gender issues, female genital mutilation, environmental conservation, hygiene, adolescent reproductive health, peace creation, etc.

In 2003, the Africa Alive! - Kenya chapter carried out a baseline survey in Bondo District of Western Kenya. It found that there was a high rate of HIV infection among young people, a high level of HIV/AIDS awareness, low use of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) and other referral services, low use of condom among sexually active youth, and that messages disseminated by youth groups and CBOs lacked focus and were ambiguous. It also found that some cultural practices were contributing to HIV infection, including lack of discussion on sex issues within the family, the practice of widow inheritance, the perceived link between witchcraft and HIV/AIDS, and polygamy. The intervention strategy implemented was to train youth groups and CBOs to design and develop culturally sensitive messages to be disseminated through edutainment, i.e. puppetry, theatre for development (TFD), drama, poetry, and dance.

An evaluation of the programme showed increased knowledge about HIV/ AIDS, increased use of counseling services, increased condom use and increased discussions on sex issues within families.

The presenter states that puppetry is preferred because it helps to facilitate discussion on issues that are normally considered embarrassing. It is non-partisan, and gives people a chance to look at themselves and their behaviours in an abstract way. It is also entertaining, and can attract the attention of diverse audience. The presenter concludes with recommending scaling up the use of puppetry for community education, and training and technical assistance to puppetry troupes.

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