Investigating the Impact of Media Advocacy in Framing Accessibility of Antiretroviral Treatment in Ethiopia: A Social Work Perspective
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Date
2006-07
Authors
Tafesse, Moges
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
In Ethiopia poor health care infrastructure, stigma, low collaboration and coordination
among agencies, and sustainability issues have endangered accessibility of Antiretroviral
Treatment (ART) by PLWHA. Paramount among the stakeholders strategy to address
these problems is advocacy using media as a significant tool. This research is a
quantitative and qualitative research based on survey and key-informants interview with
ART stakeholders of governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations,
hospitals, US based universities, PLWHA associations and media agencies to investigate
challenges, barriers and best practices of media advocacy to address accessibility of ART
synergistically.
According to the study, all stakeholders responded that there is a huge
information gap of ART among the public. More than 82% of the stakeholders are
engaged on advocacy and over 81% of them responded radio and/or TV is the best
channel of advocacy tool. Even though 36% of the stakeholders responded that they have
produced ART related broadcast messages, none of them are aimed to influence policies
and decision makers to advance services of ART. Over 58% of the stakeholders
responded that collaboration among themselves and with the media agencies to undertake
vigorous media advocacy activities is not satisfactory. This study contrary to the fear
appeal approach relies upon person-in-environment concept of social work and systems
theory to improve accessibility of ART at various systems level. The study concluded
that media advocacy practices by the stakeholders are limited and suggests media
advocacy tool and recommendations for future directions
Description
Keywords
Social Work