AIDS Awareness in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Like other parts of the Arab World, the incidence and prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPts) is low by global standards. During the period between 1988 and 2011, for example, there have only been 72 recorded cases in total , the majority of which are males.

However, despite this relatively low number, a substantial amount of money has made its way into the oPts with the aim of supporting preventive measures related to HIV/AIDS. These efforts have included public health awareness campaigns through various media outlets, as well as outreach and educational activities.

Nonetheless, despite significant educational and outreach efforts, an analysis of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics 2010 Palestinian Family Health Survey (PFHS) points to significant variation in sources of information on AIDS, especially between males and females. This paper will discuss the findings of the PFHS in relation to how HIV/AIDS information is solicited through different outlets between both groups. It also raises questions as to the accuracy of the information provided to each group and why certain information is more accessible to males, females or both. Furthermore, it will argue for more targeted outreach programs among youth in particular.