Communicating HIV Prevention in Southern Africa Lilian Kiefer Executive Director Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) Tel: Funded by SADC HIV and AIDS Unit International AIDS Conference 2014 SADC Satellite Session

Project Rationale 1. The project was premised on the fact that prevention is a key to addressing HIV/AIDS sustainably, by preventing new infections and investing the available resources into promoting and prolonging the lives of the already existing PLWH. 2. For prevention programmes and strategies to be effective, people who are targeted need to understand and appreciate the value of such services 3. Where programmes and services are not available, are inadquate or inappropriate, service providers, policy makers, programme specialists need to hear from the target population in order to adjust and be responsive SADC Regional Dissemination

Communication – key project strategy Theory of change - Two way communication: Interfacing people who design policies and programmes with those who receive programmes and services for: advocacy - ensure that policies and programmes are responsive to the needs of the target population Knowledge creation - Ensure that the target population understand and appreciate the value of the programmes, clarify myths and increase demand for prvn services Intermediate Results: effective policies and programes, increased knowledge and understanding (assumption – behaviour change) End result: Increased demand for prevention programmes, increased HIV prevn. SADC Regional Dissemination

Project description Project Goal To empower the local communities to drive the response to HIV prevention in Southern Africa. Project Purpose: To ensure that responses to drivers of HIV infection are driven and shared by those most at risk Geographical Reach: Angola, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zambia

Project Objectives 1. To promote open dialogue on HIV prevention among peers and partners in order to reduce HIV related stigma and promote behaviour change. 2. To create understanding of HIV prevention needs for sexual minorities (MSM specifically) and advocate for inclusion of their needs and challenges in policy and operational plans at national level. 3. To enhance PMTCT, maternal health for infected mothers as well as child health service uptake for pregnant mothers living with HIV SADC Regional Dissemination

Results: Increased Prevention dialogue among peers and partners Community members were mobilized into the Radio Listening Clubs and trained on HIV prevention issues. Deepened understanding of risky behaviours and strategies for behaviour change Facilitated platforms for open dialogue on behavior centred dialogue challenging their own beliefs and behaviours. SADC Regional Dissemination Country Radio Sets Recorders Clubs Benefiting Clubs covered by the stations Members per club Estimated reach Swaziland ,000 Lesotho ,000 Zambia ,000 Angola ,000 Malawi ,000 Mozambique ,000

Results – Deepened understanding and appreciation of HIV prevention needs for sexual minorities 1. Amplified policy and programming gaps thru (1) Oral testimonies and (2) an assessment study on HIV prevention for MSM – 2. Increased public and policy awareness through increased media reporting on the subject (1) media trained, (2) awarded fellowships and (3) supporting materials (Media brief). Increased visibility in mass media. 3. Stimulated informed debate through Interactive Radio Programmes on community and national radios. Impact: what started out with high levels of hate speech became more positive debate and desire for more information on the subject. SADC Regional Dissemination

Results - To enhance PMTCT, maternal health and child health service uptake for pregnant mothers living with HIV 1. Amplified policy and programming gaps thru (1) Oral testimonies of women who had undergone or failed to undergo PMTCT 2. Increased public and policy awareness through increased media reporting on the subject (1) media trained, (2) awarded fellowships and (3) supporting materials (Media brief). Increased visibility in mass media. 3. Stimulated informed debate through Interactive Radio Programmes. 4. Created an opportunity for policy dialogue between policy makers, service providers and other duty bearers and the target population (women) on the current programming allowing for knowledge building, demand creation and policy advocacy. The project created an opportunity for women to discuss PMTCT policies, programmes and understand issue that were preventing them from coming forth. SADC Regional Dissemination

impact 1. The project increased knowledge and understanding of existing hiv prevention policies and programmes and strategies; 2. Generated feedback from communities on existing programmes and policies which was brought to attn of duty-bearers; 3. Increased demand for programmes and services thereby increasing prevention; 4. Increased visibility programme and policy gaps that need addressing thereby improving service provision; 5. Increased capacity of PSAf as an institution through technical support and advice from SADC secretariat staff in various areas.

Challenges 1. Some community members had to walk long distances to get to where their club meets in order to participate in the dialogue. 2. Disproportionate cost of programming in the Southern Africa Region led to disproportion scale of outreach in various countries – in particular Angola. 3. Unfavorable socio-legal environment surrounding SRHR for sexual minorities. 4. Delays in disbursement of funds in the course of implementation. SADC Regional Dissemination

Lessons learnt Through interactive communication, communities respond well to information received than one way communication. Collaboration with NAC, Ministries of Health, in implementing the project ensures effective implementation and promises sustainability of the impact beyond the project. Alignment of regional/multi-country interventions to SADC structures smoothens the collaboration at country level as well as integration of interventions at regional level. This strengthen capacity of PSAf in regional interventions. SADC Regional Dissemination

Conclusions 1. The project increased awareness and appreciation of existing HIV prevention programmes 2. It allowed for the target population to ask and clarify misty areas but also provide feedback where things were not going well or services were not available 3. Fostered accountability in policy implementation 4. Created higher demand for HIV prevention services and programmes 5. Stimulated positive debate on the needs for sexual minorities. 6. Strengthened the capacity of PSAf as a regional organisation. SADC Regional Dissemination

Thank You!!! SADC Regional Dissemination