HIV / AIDS threat and prevention in marginalised ethnic groups. Experiences among the Kxoe in Namibia.

Within the framework of a GTZ-supported AIDS Control Project an intervention was initiated in 1996 in order to raise HIV/AIDS awareness within the Kxoe illustrated was not comprehensible to this marginalise d community. A linguist with experience of the Kxoe language and culture was involved in the GTZ activities to work together with community members in the development of culturally appropriate ways of explaining the modes of sexual transmission and the stages of the HIV-infection leading to AIDS itself. Traditionally the Kxoe believe" that all illnesses involve supernatural powers. Traditional practitioners from the community were involved in the process of clarifying the existing cultural concepts of illnesses and of modes of acquiring them. With their help the Kxoedam terms for HIV AIDA STDs condoms and other related expressions were defined. As one of the results the Kxoe now refer to H1V-infection as belonging to a group of illnesses which they conceptualise as "sleeping around" illnesses in their own language. Symbolic drawings were used to form storyboards that are easily interpreted by the illiterate community. Community groups were formed peers chosen by the community and trained in the proper use of these storyboards. The dissemination of the messages was organised through channels of communication which already existed within the community such as schools health facilities community activities religious groups and churches. Difficulties encountered regarded the aspects of confidentiality in a small traditional community. Also traditional concepts may mean that a person with an illness for which no cure is available is declared dead and will be socially distressed. The involvement of the traditional practitioners was felt to be crucial. (excerpt)