MASS MEDIA AND THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HIV/AIDS IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA STUDY OF NASSARAWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Abstract

The paper examines the role of mass media in the campaign against HIV/AIDS in Nassarawa Local Government area of Kano State, Nigeria. Agenda setting theory was employed, and survey research method was adopted. Findings revealed that frequent mass media messages should be aired subsequently on HIV/AIDS since it has contributed positively to the reduction of the virus. Majority of respondents have knowledge of what HIV/AIDS means, how it could be infected and prevented. The study shows that campaign messages could help to reduce HIV/AIDS virus as well as help in creating awareness thereby reducing the risk of getting infected. A large proportion of respondents believed that strong mass media messages could help to reduce the virus prevalence. Based on the findings the study recommends that, more programmes should be aired on health. Kano State Government should provide technical and financial support to media stations in order to disseminate more information on health.