Demystifying AIDS – The Kawi Campaign

“You need to take care; AIDS is around us, the only way to be safe is to observe proven protective measures, get an HIV test, and support those infected. AIDS is our problem, and only us can address it effectively.”

     Last year KAWI carried out an aggressive media campaign aimed at demystifying AIDS to the public. This involved partnering with cartoonists to prepare informative messages as well as designing positive messages on the disease. Below are some of the captions that were used in the local papers:

1.    The first line of treatment for AIDS is family and community – strong support for those infected with HIV leads to longer and happier lives.

2.    HIV/AIDS is a public health problem. Tell your family your HIV status - when HIV affects one person, it affects the whole family and the whole community.

3.    Get tested. Knowing your status will enables you make the right decisions about your health.

4.    The AIDS condition is no more than any other communicable disease. Though incurable, it is easier to manage than other diseases as it does not require quarantine or isolation.

5.    We ought to define our own community ethics and community confidentiality in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

6.   Do you have cancer? We care. Do you have diabetes? We care. Do you have AIDS? We care too.

8.    When you say “Adabu Itarudi Duniani Sasa” – forget not blood transfusion and other “victims” of innocence.

9.    With 700 Kenyans dying daily is AIDS still “Advanced Intelligence to Discourage Sex”?

10.   Seat belts Vs Road accident

         Condoms Vs AIDS

HIV infection theories: "Doing it just once" is all it takes to get infected

The need for testing: Going for a HIV test enables you to protect yourself.

AIDS in the workplace: More and more productive Kenyans are dying from AIDS