Subject Area
Sociology
Description
Sub-Saharan Africa is home to over 60% of the world’s AIDS cases; thus, HIV prevention and treatment is a pressing global issue that needs to be addressed with governmental assistance, medication, education, and overall community support. This research paper examines and compares the success of HIV/AIDS treatment, education, and prevention programs in sub-Saharan Africa in order to determine which type of program is the most effective. The three program types that are examined are large-scale governmental policies and organizations, local community run grassroots organizations, and programs that combine grassroots initiatives with umbrella organization assistance. The general consensus of the reviewed literature implies that combination programs will be most effective due to their relative financial stability (as opposed to grassroots programs) and consistent interaction and involvement with the community (unlike large-scale organizations). This study gathered data through a qualitative survey distributed to key stakeholders of organizations in sub-Saharan Africa that represent the three types listed above. Eight programs were contacted, but due to international communication barriers and limitations on releasing private program information, only one key stakeholder completed the survey, while an additional two followed up with other information. Still, through careful examination of these particular programs it was determined that, contrary to the literature, the grassroots program was most effective in terms of education, treatment, and prevention.
Publisher
Providence College
Date
Spring 5-1-2009
Type
Thesis
Format
Text
Language
English
Comments
A project based on independent investigation, submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Originally written for the Theory Practice Seminar, Providence College, 2009.