THE ROLE OF FAMILY IN PREVENTION OF HIV/AIDS IN JALINGO LGA OF TARABA STATE

Abstract

The family, as the primary socialization unit, influences health behaviors, moral values, and decision-making processes that are essential in combating the spread of the disease. The discussion highlights various preventive roles of the family, including parental guidance, moral and ethical upbringing, emotional support, health education, and the promotion of voluntary counseling and testing. It also addresses socio-cultural and economic challenges that may hinder the family’s capacity to prevent HIV/AIDS. The findings underscore that families in Jalingo can significantly reduce vulnerability to infection by fostering open communication about sexual health, reinforcing positive behavioral norms, and linking members to available health services. Recommendations are made for strengthening family-based HIV/AIDS education, promoting parent–child communication, integrating cultural and religious leaders into prevention programs, providing economic support to vulnerable households, and increasing access to health care services. Strengthening the family’s preventive role is presented as a vital strategy in the broader fight against HIV/AIDS in the region.