[FoME] GTZ-Publikation "TV soap operas in HIV education"

[Christoph Dietz]

Stuart Adams:
TV soap operas in HIV education: Reaching out with popular entertainment.
Eschborn: German HIV Peer Review Group (PRG); GTZ, 2009, 39 S.

Download der Publikation unter: http://www2.gtz.de/dokumente/bib/gtz2009-0160en-tv-soap-opera-long.pdf 

Auszug aus dem "Executive Summary", S.5:

"This publication looks closely at cases where Germany has supported the production and broadcast of television soap operas as key components of BCC in three very different countries with three very different HIV epidemics.

In Kyrgyzstan, the epidemic is largely concentrated among injecting drug users (IDUs), mostly young males but some female sex workers. It is spreading rapidly and there is concern it could soon spread into the general population. Originally broadcast in 2006, “Love as a Test” aims to get across messages that HIV affects not only “them” but could easily affect you and your loved ones and there are things you can do to prevent its spread and reduce its harm.

In Dominican Republic, there are extremely high rates of HIV prevalence among ethnic Haitians who live in bateyes (settlements on agricultural plantations), rural areas and urban barrios. Originally broadcast in 2007, “Amor de Batey” aims to promote the consistent and correct use of low-cost but reliable condoms and, also, to empower women, improve their health and reduce child mortality.

In Côte d’Ivoire, there are high rates of HIV prevalence throughout the country but much higher rates among women than men. Contributing factors include the common practice of having multiple concurrent sexual relations and low levels of education and specific knowledge about sexual and reproductive health. Originally broadcast in 1994, “SIDA dans la Cité” has aims similar to those of “Amor de Batey.” The first series proved so successful that it lead to a second series, originally broadcast in 1996-97, and then to a third, originally broadcast in 2003. All three series have proved popular throughout French-speaking West and Central Africa.

This publication shows how each series was developed, provides brief synopses, summarizes the results of formal evaluations and provides informal assessments. It draws lessons and concludes that television soap operas can make significant contributions to national responses to HIV. The most successful series are based on sound research, reflect the realities of life as it is lived by their target audiences, and are developed in a professional manner that ensures they meet high standards both as entertainment and as educational tools."