The message behind the voicelessness of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS:Narrative approach Perspective

Abstract

Abstract

This paper will address four important issues: Firstly, the way the message about HIV/AIDs was received in Africa in the mid-1980s and the responses of different African leaders on this issue. When the first AIDS cases appeared in Africa in the mid-1980s, state reactions varied widely. Just to mention South Africa by then assured white South Africans the disease was confined to “deviant homosexuals” or poor black migrants from neighbouring countries. In effort of blame outsiders and in a move that provided false comfort to the population (Chirwa, 1998). Kenyan press reported “Killer disease in Kenya,” medical officers claimed four AIDS deaths were due to skin cancer, not AIDS (Fortin, 1987). In contrary Senegal and Uganda adopted a different approach, they acknowledged and started the prevention and control programs. In Uganda public discussions about disease started in 1986. Secondly, how these different approaches in different countries impact on the openness of the people about their HIV/AIDS status. Thirdly, how narrative approach can be used to externalise the message behind the voicelessness of these people. Lastly, recommendation is made that faith leaders and lay people from different faith communities need to be capacitated in line of narrative approach to assist in externalising the message behind the voicelessness of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.