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Health action with informed and engaged societies
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After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Enhancing Reproductive Health Through Mass Media

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Enhancing Reproductive Health Through Mass Media is a programme that uses satellite radio technology to empower and energise youth in refugee situations in the four refugee camps of Ajumani, Moyo, Kakuma, and Dadaab, in Uganda and Kenya. The programme aims to institutionalise universal understanding of the importance of reproductive health, the prevention of sexually transmitted infection (STI) including HIV/AIDS, safe living, and human and gender rights. It is also designed to increase young people’s access to various youth leadership and development-related information.
Communication Strategies

The project uses digital satellite radio technology (AfriStar), powered by small solar panels, to broadcast programmes specifically designed for refugee youth. The information shared is related to reproductive health issues impacting young refugees, including sexual violence, STIs, and safe motherhood. Youth leadership, living safely, and human rights are other issues addressed through the broadcasts.

In concert with the broadcasts, the project trains youth as focus group leaders for radio listening clubs, and provides standard feedback and evaluation of programme and audience reaction.

Development Issues

HIV/AIDS, Health, Youth, Reproductive Health, Gender.

Key Points

According to organisers, the project demonstrates how radio can be a tool for education and development, to further establish the aims of the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reproductive health and sexual and gender-based violence initiatives in refugee situations. The project hopes to expand to many more refugee camps throughout Africa.

Partners

First Voice International, UNHCR, Relief and Environmental Care Africa (RECA), and Kenyan and Ugandan community-based organisations.