The aim of this study is to ascertain the role of Mass media in the campaign against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Factors such as media campaigns, AIDS campaign messages, sexual behaviour and the extent in which the campaigns structures the masses were posed to establish their relative influence on the entire masses toward HIV/AIDS.
An empirical survey diligently conducted from 82 Division Barracks, Federal secretariat complex and the Mass communication students IMT. Enugu HND finals. Data were analysed to determine the effect on the mass media campaign against AIDS.
The findings show that media campaigns have been observed to be the quickest means of eradicating the AIDS menace, as well as restructure the attitude of the masses through the use of condoms stickling to one partner and avoiding casual sex.
For broadcast media campaign on any issue to interest the public, it must not be regarded as fallacious or unsystematically prepared but rater involving message on existing public interest to the people based on experiences, facts, beliefs, socio- economic and educational backgrounds.
Against this background the federal government in conjunction with other countries of the world through the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to embark on massive campaigns against AIDS pandemic in the country.
The broadcast media, as part of its effort to eradicate this deadly scourge which has defied the federal government through the ministry of Health in 1986 established the National AIDS control Programmes in response to public concerns raised the presence of Human Immune Deficiency syndrome Virus (HIV) infestation in Nigeria.
Again, in response to the evidence and the debate on the existence if AIDS in Nigeria the then minister of Health, Profession Olukoye Ranson Kuti in 1987, instituted the National expert Advisory committee on AIDS (NEACA) and was charged with the responsibility of establishing whether or not AIDS exist in Nigeria . they were also mandated to advise the government as well as draw up programmes strategies and activities to prevent control of HIV infection in the country.
The report from the committee stated that “HID and AIDS existed in Nigeria and warned that unless immediate steps were taken to prevent the spread of the diseases, the country would be faced with tremendous health problem” This necessitate the establishment of AIDS Co-ordinating units and twenty one (21) testing facilities in the various states of the federation. Training was conducted for personnel to man these centres. There were also public enlightenment activities and production of educational materials like posters, handbills, pamphlets, and books on AIDS.
In February 1989, a two weeks workshop was organized by the Federal Ministry of Health, and other Human services Organization including states ministries of health with the technical assistance from the global programme on AIDS (GPA), world bank and other international agencies to address the issue of AIDS in Nigeria. In march 1990, a resources mobilization meeting was convened with participation by the Federal ministry of Health, by the World Health Organization, Global Programme on AIDS and other International denor agencies.
Also in march, the National AIDS Co-coordinating units had the first “All Nigerian conference on AIDS” during which the then vice President, Admiral Augustus Aikomu (rtd) launched the maiden edition on the Hand book on HIV infection and AIDS for health workers. All these efforts were aimed at affecting possible solution towards cursing the AIDS measure in Nigeria and to ensure healthier environment for the popular.
Assertions have been made that the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a mere fallacy and government propaganda of scaring people from enjoying sexual relationship. Some ridiculous names have been given the acronym AIDS, such as America idea of Dissuading Sex, Animal infected diseases syndrome and so on. It has been discovered that the greater number of people infected by AIDS fall within the range of 20 – 40 years of age which is the prime age of life.
Despite this fact, the non-challance of our masses still prevails in relation, to accept the media campaign on AIDS as a complete truth. Moreover, one should not forget that it takes a lot of courage and grief to affect change in a society .
Though this study may not go into the structure of the AIDS control Programmes or the immanent dangers inherent in AIDS, it will look at the information management and the use of media campaigns to facilities proper public understanding of programme. It will prove the degree of which the entire public have related to the AID campaign and to what extent these campaigns have helped alert the masses the dangers of AIDS, and then make recommendations.
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