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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 lainiciativadecomunicacion.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Advocacy against Hepatitis

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Author: Rana Tassawar Ali, September 28 2015 - Hepatitis has becoming an increasingly troubling disease in Pakistan, with estimates of over 16 million Hepatitis-infected sufferers in the country.  The prevalence of this disease is a sadly alarming situation of which people need to become aware and informed. In Pakistan, the National Hepatitis Control Program became decentralized after the passage of the 18th amendment; now, provincial governments are providing treatment services in their limited resource settings.

At the same time, the World Hepatitis Alliance suggests that Hepatitis B and C are an urgent public health issue. For example, the Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2012 lists the following for Hepatitis C: "the highest reported prevalence is in China (3.2%), Egypt (22%) and Pakistan (4.8%)." As it was seen globally in the past, the lobby of Hepatitis activists did not result in Hepatitis being included in the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) and other development programs like the Global Fund’s health-related components. The poor allocation of budgets and low priority increase the speed of the disease worldwide.

The policy and strategy of the government of Pakistan for controlling Hepatitis is not comprehensive; many unmet needs of patients leave gaps in Hepatitis programs. In the country, a Hepatitis advocacy group, which is in the formulation stage, will take time to address related issues. Being a part of this advocacy group, I have found that it is a good thing that all members of group are very committed and motivated for one cause: “Hepatitis-free Pakistan”. This advocacy group was founded through the cooperation of PSSLD (Pakistan Society for Study of Liver Disease) and many health-based organizations that are member organizations for the group. In the future, this advocacy group will enhance understanding regarding the disease, and this prestigious group will propose a strategic plan for the government. Hopefully, the advocacy group against Hepatitis will make the difference, and it will be the voice of all infected people.