Revitalizing HIV/AIDS Awareness: The Power of “If It’s Not On, It’s Not In !”

The previously widespread slogan “If it’s not on, it’s not in!” was a significant reminder in the battle against HIV/AIDS. It highlighted the critical role of safe sex practices, especially condom usage, in preventing the transmission of HIV and other STIs. This clear message fostered a culture of prevention and advocated for personal accountability.

However, as antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) emerged, enabling individuals to manage HIV and live longer, healthier lives, the focus on preventive measures has decreased. While ARVs have transformed the approach to HIV/AIDS, they cannot replace the necessity of prevention and education. It is essential for today’s youth to revive this message to counteract complacency, raise awareness of the ongoing dangers, and help decrease new infections.

Current Risky Behaviours

The increased availability of antiretroviral medications (ARVs) has led to several misunderstandings that promote risky behaviours, ultimately facilitating the spread of HIV. A significant concern is that some young individuals are less inclined to use condoms, believing that HIV is now “less serious” due to treatment advances. This false belief can result in unprotected sexual encounters, leading to higher transmission rates.

Furthermore, many young people engage in multiple sexual relationships without recognizing the associated risks. Some mistakenly depend solely on ARVs as a means of protection, not appreciating that these medications only lower the viral load for those already infected with HIV; they do not prevent the virus from being transmitted. Additionally, substance use, particularly alcohol, can lead to risky sexual decisions by diminishing inhibitions. Together, these behaviours, combined with a drop in preventive messaging, create an environment conducive to the spread of HIV, especially among youth who may not have accurate knowledge about the virus.

Misconceptions

A prevalent misconception is that HIV is no longer a major threat because of ARVs, with many individuals mistakenly believing that these medications can cure HIV rather than just controlling it. This misunderstanding can foster carelessness and risky practices, as people may feel prevention is unnecessary.

There is also a false belief that ARVs provide immunity to HIV, which is incorrect. ARVs do not prevent initial infections and are intended for those already living with HIV to reduce their viral load. Furthermore, access to these treatments is not uniform; they can be costly and challenging to use consistently over the long term. Relying only on ARVs also neglects the risk of developing drug-resistant strains of HIV, reinforcing the need for ongoing prevention efforts.

These misunderstandings highlight the urgent need for renewed education about the realities of HIV and the functioning of ARVs. Failing to clarify these issues could jeopardize the progress made in HIV prevention.

Ways to Resonate the Message

Reintroducing the slogan “If it’s not on, it’s not in!” along with strengthening preventive messaging can help remind young people about the significance of practicing safe sex.

• Educational Initiatives in Schools and Communities: Schools and community centres should host workshops and seminars that emphasize HIV prevention and safe sex practices. These sessions should highlight the importance of using condoms as well as the limitations of antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) to provide young people with a clear understanding of HIV risks.
• Social Media Engagement with Influencers: Given that many young people are active on social media, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube can serve as excellent venues for disseminating HIV awareness messages. Collaborations between influencers and health organizations can help present safe sex messages in an appealing and relatable manner, utilizing creative content to engage audiences.
• Role of Healthcare Providers: Healthcare professionals can significantly contribute by providing educational resources, offering free or affordable condoms, and delivering counselling that reinforces prevention messaging. Using posters, brochures, and direct communication during medical appointments can integrate the slogan “If it’s not on, it’s not in!” into routine healthcare visits.
• Youth-Led Initiatives and Peer Education: Organizations led by young individuals can encourage open conversations among peers and spearhead awareness campaigns specifically designed for younger audiences. Events, campaigns, and peer-education programs can make HIV/AIDS education more accessible and relatable, reducing stigma and promoting preventive actions.

The Role of the Ghana Health Service

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) plays a vital role in revitalizing the HIV/AIDS prevention message and combating complacency. Although antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) provides hope, the GHS must maintain a focus on prevention alongside treatment to protect public health:

• Initiate National Awareness Campaigns: The GHS can launch campaigns targeting all demographics, particularly the youth, focusing on safe sex practices, HIV realities, and the importance of condom use. These campaigns should be disseminated through television, radio, social media, and educational institutions.
• Enhance Preventive Messaging in Health Facilities: All GHS-affiliated health facilities should actively promote HIV prevention in tandem with treatment. Clinics and hospitals ought to distribute condoms and provide educational materials, like pamphlets and posters, to inform patients about safe sex and the limitations of ARVs.
• Utilize Community Health Workers: Community health workers are essential for reaching both rural and urban populations, offering localized education on HIV/AIDS and dispelling myths about ARVs. This hands-on approach ensures that those without regular access to health information are reached.
• Collaborate with Influencers and Community Leaders: Partnering with influencers, celebrities, and community leaders who connect with young audiences can effectively convey the importance of continued prevention efforts. These individuals can help normalize safe sex practices and remind others that HIV remains a significant threat.

Reflection

While ARVs have transformed the lives of many people living with HIV, prevention remains the most powerful tool against the spread of the virus. Misunderstandings about ARVs, complacency, and a lack of preventive messaging have led to risky behaviours, especially among younger generations. To address these issues, we must reinvigorate the message “If it’s not on, it’s not in!” and work to educate youth on the realities of HIV and the critical role of prevention.

Through educational campaigns, social media outreach, healthcare provider support, youth advocacy, myth-busting initiatives, and targeted efforts by the Ghana Health Service, we can re-establish the importance of safe sex practices. HIV remains a real threat, and prevention is essential to reducing its impact. It is our collective responsibility to make informed choices, spread awareness, and protect our communities from HIV. By reinforcing the message of prevention, we have the power to protect current and future generations. Remember “If It’s Not On It’s Not In…..!!!”

WRITTEN BY: WISDOM KOUDJO KLU, EDUCATIONIST/COLUMNIST, GREATER ACCRA REGION. [email protected]