The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63908

Mike A. Egboh, MPH, Pathfinder International, Inc., 248 Muri Okunola Street, Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria, 234-1-2621779, 234-1-4706064, megboh@pathfind.org

From the first case of AIDS in 1986, the prevalence of HIV in Nigeria has risen from 1.8% in 1991 to 5.8% in 2001. Since the return of democratic rule in 1991, the President has declared a commitment to fight HIV/AIDS but that vision has not been shared by the legislators. The current HIV/AIDS policy in use was developed by the military. Nigeria has the highest number of people with HIV/AIDS in Africa, yet there is no HIV/AIDS related legislation. Pathfinder International in collaboration with the National Democratic Institute implemented a pilot project in four legislative constituencies with senators and House members. The result shows that politicians are a very powerful means for community mobilization and education on HIV/AIDS, legislation and increased funding. This paper discuses the process, challenges and lessons learnt working with legislators.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:
• 1.Understand why politicians are a viable means of community education on HIV/AIDS.
• 2.Describe the procedures used in engaging the politicians in HIV/AIDS control program.
• 3.Develop HIV/AIDS control plans for legislators.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Politics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.