THE MASS MEDIA AND THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS IN BORNO STATE: A CASE STUDY OF NTA MAIDUGURI

HIV/AIDS is a health issue that has affected every facets of our national lives. This study would seek to examine the role of the media in the fight against the virus. The objectives of this study would be to examine the amount of time devoted to HIV/AIDS programmes, how the media can be used to promote sex education and how the media can be used to eliminate stigmatization of HIV/AIDS victims. 150 questionnaires were distributed randomly among equal number of females and males scattered across the state. 145 questionnaires were completed and returned, after which they were analyzed using simple percentage. The study found out that HIV/AIDS programmes on NTA Maiduguri were not given adequate coverage. It also revealed that HIV/AIDS programmes on NTA Maiduguri do not sufficiently promoted sex education, and that education, advocacy and drama programmes, if introduced by NTA Maiduguri would go a long way in reducing or eliminating stigmatization and discrimination of HIV/AIDS victims. Among other things, the study recommended that, NTA Maiduguri, should give more time for HIV/AIDS programmes on their own, apart from programmes relayed from NTA network service. By so doing, many more will be educated and informed of HIV/AIDS virus. The study concluded that NTA Maiduguri has not been using its power of influence to bring about the needed change on HIV/AIDS issue in the state.