Exploring the feasibility of using different cellular telephone based messaging platforms as demand creation channels for voluntary medical male circumcision in Gauteng, South Africa
Date
2015-03-27
Authors
Coats, Gareth Michael
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Abstract
Three randomised control trials in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa have shown that
Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) reduces the risk of heterosexual HIV
transmission to men by up to 60%. This has resulted in a WHO and UNAIDS
recommendation to promote VMMC as part of comprehensive HIV prevention
programming. In order for South Africa to achieve its 80% national coverage target of
VMMC, significant investment needs to be made in demand creation programming. The
Centre for HIV/AIDS Prevention Studies (CHAPS) provides free VMMCs through 28
community based clinics and hospitals in Gauteng, North West and Limpopo Provinces. In
2013, CHAPS demand creation activities have resulted in some increases in demand but
CHAPS have committed to exploring additional demand creation opportunities. In terms of
reach, mobile telephones are highly prevalent in South Africa, with more than 90% of South
African households surveyed in 2011 reporting to have at least one cellular telephone in the
home. The ongoing advancement of mobile phones to allow data transfer and internet
access also means that more ‘Technology-Poor’ or ‘ICT Have-nots’ will be able to access the
ever increasing knowledge content of the internet, participate in digital social-domains and
be reached in shorter times and at lower costs.
Description
A research report submitted to the School of Public Health, University of WItwatersrand in partial completion of the requirements of the degree Master of Public Health : Social and Behaviour change communication