This is Jackie and Tony. They are working together, with the support of Women and Children First, to talk on the radio in Uganda about health issues and ways people can find solutions to overcome their problems.
For many rural communities in Africa, access to technology is limited and radio remains the main source of information.
Even when families have access to other technologies, more vulnerable members such as women and adolescents, often are excluded from their use.
In our community health mobilisation work we often use radio to share important health messages in the form of talk-shows and radio jingles.
It allows us to easily reach thousands of listeners and broadcast shows on topics identified by our community groups as important, ensuring we respond to local need.
Talking about health issues on Ugandan radio
It also allows us to start discussions on more sensitive topics, such as Female Genital Mutilation and Family Planning. This is the case in our project in Ethiopia.
Radio also has a role in explaining more complex concepts, such as Community Health Insurance in Uganda, by collaborating with Radio DJs and local health experts’ communities trust and respect.
Women and Children First is continuing to explore how radio can be used in some of Africa’s most rural communities. We are aiming to reach more women and particularly teenagers, giving them health messages and information that can empower them with knowledge.
A £12.50 monthly donation is the equivalent of funding one hour of radio broadcasts, spreading essential vital life-saving information. A gift of £150 could support a talk show hosted on the radio, covering a variety of different topics.