Embargo Period
5-14-2021
Degree Name
MA in Sustainable Development
First Advisor
Dr. Joseph Lanning
Abstract
Cameroon is among the Central African countries most affected by HIV/AIDS. The epidemic remains a pressing issue for policymakers and the healthcare system. According to UNICEFs’ Cameroon Country Program 2018–2020 (UNICEF 2018), 3.4% of the population harbors this disease because there is still no cure. The methods to slow the transmission of infection are to prevent people from doing dangerous things and security (Coates & Caceres 2008). A plethora of evidence suggested that in situations where religious organizations emphasize behavior change, like in abstinence and fidelity, the behaviors changed dramatically. But the question is, for how long? I argue that incorporating Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) into FBOs' services and programs will help them manage HIV/AIDS more effectively in Southern Cameroon. I conducted this research with a literature review, key informant interviews, and online networks. FBOs are not better managers because of their faithfulness, but instead because they are a better alternative to the Cameroon Government. Evidence suggests that FBOs are less corrupt, more results-oriented, and are well-grounded in the suburbs, areas that the Government fears to tread. Most importantly, one should understand that raising awareness and promoting education as the primary tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS is not enough. It is an essential part of the strategy, but not the sole element of it. There are few guarantees that Education/communication will prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. This paper expounds on the corrupt nature of both the Cameroon Government and FBOs, concluding that the perception of corruption is a function of societal expectations and is affected by individual values and desires.
Keywords: "Cameroon HIV/AIDS," "the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Africa," "evidence-based practice and FBOs," "faith-based organizations and HIV/AIDS."
Disciplines
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Pafe, Christine, "INCORPORATING EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE INTO FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATION SERVICES AS A BETTER MEANS TO MANAGE HIV/AIDS IN SOUTHERN CAMEROON." (2021). Capstone Collection. 3237.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/capstones/3237