A Mobile HIV Education

No part of the world is immune from HIV, yet in Southern Africa where life expectancy is only 48 years of age, the risk is especially high. Controlling the epidemic requires preventing the spread of infection to adolescents, a group particularly vulnerable to HIV. According to statistics, between one third to one half of all HIV cases occur in 15-24 year olds.

HHD is involved in responding to HIV in a poor, rural region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa where the burden of this disease is great. In this remote area, HIV services are usually either unavailable or too expensive. In addition, a pervasive stigma about the disease is a serious barrier to preventing locals from learning how to protect themselves and get treatment.

With expertise in curriculum development and HIV prevention, HHD was hired by a local South African organization, Mpilonhle, to develop an educational program to teach youth about HIV and to promote healthy behaviors.

A unique program was designed that attracts adolescents through computer technology while simultaneously teaching them about HIV and offering screening and counseling services. It is delivered to schools in the area by mobile units equipped with computers and manned by skilled health and technology professionals who speak the local language.

“Given the stifling stigma that surrounds HIV here,” says Scott Pulizzi, HHD’s project director who wrote the health education materials, “we had to develop an innovative approach that emphasizes opportunity, hope, and general wellness. So computer training, health education, along with HIV services go directly to the youth.”

Three mobile units travel to schools in the region aiming to reach over 10,000 youth with HIV education and screening. According to Pulizzi, the stigma that has prevented open discussion about HIV and created misconceptions about it is gradually eroding.

This one-of-a-kind project was featured March 10, 2008 on The Oprah Winfrey Show. It has also received support from actress Cherlize Theron who grew up on a farm in South Africa.

Photos of the Mobile Health and Computer Unit courtesy of Mpilonhle.

For more information contact Scott Pulizzi at spulizzi@edc.org. Funding for this project is from Mpilonhle. Initial support for Mpilonhle came from Oprah's Angels Network, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, the Entertainment Industry Foundation, the United States President's Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and AMD and the 50x15 initiative.

April 18 , 2008