The role of video in health education on HIV / AIDS.

Films and videos have been used by priests for many years to reach thousands of village people. The films are often dubbed in the local language or a commentator explains the scenes. Films have also been made and distributed about AIDS. Bukumbi Hospital used those films created in Tanzania to educate its personnel when the AIDS Committee was established in 1990. The hospital then took its health education sessions to villages and nearby institutions. When the AIDS Committee had access to video it was usually used during the second visit to a community after the committee had already held a health education session with the local choir. While video can attract many people for meetings it can also show an AIDS patient his feelings and the feelings of relatives. Videos can also directly teach viewers how to use condoms. Local applications generating participation and interactive health promotion are discussed. The AIDS Committee at Bukumbi Hospital has also produced its own experimental interactive video focusing upon sexual attitudes and behavior.