THE ROLE OF LITERATURE IN HIV AND AIDS EDUCATION: THE PROSE FICTION OPTION

Abstract

The AIDS scourge has assumed an alarming proportion in its devastating effect globally. The rate of its spread, as well as its consequences, particularly in sub-Saharan African, has attracted the attention of creative writers. Given the importance  of the didactic function of literature, it is imperative that HIV and AIDS must become part of the concerns of contemporary literature. This paper examines, by way of textual analysis, three works of prose fiction and  highlights their contribution to education on HIV and AIDS. In addition, students of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), who have read two of these texts, were interviewed to ascertain the extent to which they have been enlightened on HIV and AIDS through them. The result was positive and heartwarming. This paper therefore encourages government, educational institutions, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), other stakeholders and concerned parties to further  explore the potentials of literature in other fighting the modern threats to life called HIV and AIDS.