The effect of Open Educational Resource materials in HIV prevention activities in Ghana

Abstract

Background: Misguided beliefs in causes and effects of chronic diseases in cultural settings and other health seeking behaviours made the incorporation of HIV and AIDS control program into the health care delivery system in a health region in very difficult. In Ghana, every community has a community queen who rules equally with the Chief for the social improvement of all the inhabitants. They become more powerful when they engage their subjects with health issues and concerns of the community. // Methods: 75 community queens with interest in HIV prevention education and sexual behavioural change were selected and provided with Open Educational Resource materials on HIV prevention and management to build their capacity as social entities and structures that carry an atmosphere of authority and recognition for social configuration and confluence in a health region. The health authorities in this region built the capacity of these queens to enable them advocate for better sexual behavioural change practices. Within a quarter they mobilized the sexually active, and in and out of school youth in their communities to learn and practice effective HIV prevention. // Results: 97 community meetings were organized for 1105 youth during the period under review.10 community durbars and cultural displays on responsive reproductive health practices to combat HIV infections were organized. 3450 households and families became part of the change wave for HIV prevention, stigma and discrimination reduction, and social inclusion for HIV clients. 47 clients and their partners were treated for sexually transmitted diseases and other opportunistic infections. // Conclusion: Harnessing community human resources for health action is an activity which has dividends of efficiency in its wings, for it is not alien to the social structures and decision making machinery in these settings. // Paper ID: 35