Exploring the feasibility of using different cellular telephone based messaging platforms as demand creation channels for voluntary medical male circumcision in Gauteng, South Africa

摘要

Three randomised control trials in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa have shown thatudVoluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) reduces the risk of heterosexual HIVudtransmission to men by up to 60%. This has resulted in a WHO and UNAIDSudrecommendation to promote VMMC as part of comprehensive HIV preventionudprogramming. In order for South Africa to achieve its 80% national coverage target ofudVMMC, significant investment needs to be made in demand creation programming. TheudCentre for HIV/AIDS Prevention Studies (CHAPS) provides free VMMCs through 28udcommunity based clinics and hospitals in Gauteng, North West and Limpopo Provinces. Inud2013, CHAPS demand creation activities have resulted in some increases in demand butudCHAPS have committed to exploring additional demand creation opportunities. In terms ofudreach, mobile telephones are highly prevalent in South Africa, with more than 90% of SouthudAfrican households surveyed in 2011 reporting to have at least one cellular telephone in theudhome. The ongoing advancement of mobile phones to allow data transfer and internetudaccess also means that more ‘Technology-Poor’ or ‘ICT Have-nots’ will be able to access theudever increasing knowledge content of the internet, participate in digital social-domains andudbe reached in shorter times and at lower costs.