Multiple voices in HIV and AIDS: A comparison of the discourses of Christian religion and public health

Concern over the devastating effects of HIV and AIDS in Africa has inspired many organizations to develop intervention programmes that aim to reduce the impact and spread of this pandemic. Since none of these programmes is likely to have been created in isolation, the particular socio-cultural experiences and institutional affiliations of the author(s) would have some influence on the ultimate content. This can be problematic within the contested regions of HIV prevention programming, particularly when interventions representing different institutions with conflicting perspectives coexist in a community. The task of this research project is look at two particular institutional voices which are often viewed as conflicting---Christian religion and public health. By comparing the discourses of these institutions as they are presented in programmes which target youth in Kenya, similarities and differences are identified providing suggestions of existing spaces for dialogue between these organizations.