HIV/AIDS has become a worldwide pandemic. Sub-Saharan Africa is by far the worst affected region in the world. From available records, 28.1 million Africans lived with HIV in 2001. In the same year about 2.3 million Africans were estimated to have died of AIDS. Ever since, the number of people with infection has been on the increase. About one third of the people currently living with HIV/AIDS are aged 15-24. Most of them do no know they carry the virus. Many millions more know nothing or too little about HIV to protect themselves against it. However, government and Non-Governmental Agencies (NGOs) in various countries are creating awareness. Many people are afraid to test for HIV status because victims are stigmatized. Since AIDS and HIV infection are associated with profound psychosocial impact to the individual, family and community, pre-test counseling is encouraged. Against this background, this research project explores the Participatory Educational Theatre (PET) approach to create awareness of the virus and to carry out pre-test counseling among Nigerian Youths who are most vulnerable to the pandemic. The PET project relies on the power of the theatre as an educational medium capable of provoking critical thinking and practical realization of one’s situation. The methodology assumed a workshop format in which the researcher/counselor engaged the students of university of Abuja in dramatic improvisations covering the objectives of pre-test counseling:
1. to provide reasons for test to be done
2. to evaluate knowledge of the client in issues concerning HIV infection and AIDS e.g. “window period” risk behavior, mode of spread etc.
3. assessment of risk behaviors including the last possible exposure to the virus.
4. evaluation of various psychological reactions in view to prepare patients for the outcome of the test.
5. exposing the procedures of the test, how result to be given
6. implication of test results
7. informing family members etc
The resultant play was performed for audiences in University of Abuja and secondary schools within Abuja. The end of the performance generated a discussion, involving actors and audience who were convinced that:
1. HIV infection and AIDS exist
2. HIV infection and AIDS is an incurable disease
3. There is no effective treatment or vaccine till date
4. There is psychological stress on the person with HIV infection and AIDS
5. AIDS and HIV infection is a preventable condition, mainly related to the lifestyle and behavior of an individual
6. Indiscriminate/casual sex is a sure mode of spread of the virus.
7. Pre-marital sex be avoided
8. Married couples to remain faithful to each other
9. The need for everyone to voluntarily test his/her HIV status
10. Informing family members about result of test.
The paper recommends that the drama method of pre-test counseling of Nigerian Youths should be intensified.