Against All Odds: Promoting Behavior Change in Angola
Posted Nov 17 2008 8:57pm
Guest blogger bio: In a new PSI BCC Blog feature, investigative blogger (and PSI Intern), Daniel Weil seeks out health communication staff in the field to discuss their programs, challenges, and lessons learned. Born in Brazil, Daniel graduated in May 2007 from Boston University's School of Communication. Daniel joined PSI in February of this year and is currently working for the HIV department.
In this first feature, I talked with Luis Martinez. Director of Marketing and Communications for PSI/Angola. Luis oversees the research, IEC and IPC components of PSI/Angola's BCC and marketing efforts.
Could you briefly describe PSI/Angola’s BCC (behavior change communication) efforts? (e.g. who are your target groups, what kinds of channels do you use, what types of activities do you implement?
PSI/Angola has two major BCC efforts. The first targets high-risk groups, mostly CSWs and truck drivers. We target truck drivers because they usually have money, are often away from home and engage in sexual behavior with SWs. Recently, this program has included policemen who do not "officially" engage in sexual behavior with SWs, but who often "overlook" the illegal activities of SWs in exchange for sexual favors.
The second program, Jango Juvenil (Jango Youth), is geared towards youth aged 13 to 25. This program appeals to youth by providing life skills and formal training in a variety of fields, such as Information Technology as many Angolans were prevented from completing their education due to the many years of war the country has endured. While youth attend these training courses they are exposed to information on the risk of HIV and STIs and learn about healthy behavior through discussions and videos. Once they attain this knowledge, many join outreach programs that visit public places such as soccer fields, schools, and market places to inform others about safer sexual behavior.
Tell me a bit about Angola and whether its social/political context was conducive to BCC campaigns.
Angola was at war for 30 years, then independence came, then civil war. Then communists tried to take power so it has only been for 6 years that peace has settled in Angola. Many areas have had to be completely rebuilt. Those who made a living through agriculture still cannot farm from the widespread danger of landmines in rural areas. So a lot of money has gone into rebuilding and restructuring, leaving little funds for social marketing.
In this first feature, I talked with Luis Martinez. Director of Marketing and Communications for PSI/Angola. Luis oversees the research, IEC and IPC components of PSI/Angola's BCC and marketing efforts.
Could you briefly describe PSI/Angola’s BCC (behavior change communication) efforts? (e.g. who are your target groups, what kinds of channels do you use, what types of activities do you implement?
PSI/Angola has two major BCC efforts. The first targets high-risk groups, mostly CSWs and truck drivers. We target truck drivers because they usually have money, are often away from home and engage in sexual behavior with SWs. Recently, this program has included policemen who do not "officially" engage in sexual behavior with SWs, but who often "overlook" the illegal activities of SWs in exchange for sexual favors.
The second program, Jango Juvenil (Jango Youth), is geared towards youth aged 13 to 25. This program appeals to youth by providing life skills and formal training in a variety of fields, such as Information Technology as many Angolans were prevented from completing their education due to the many years of war the country has endured. While youth attend these training courses they are exposed to information on the risk of HIV and STIs and learn about healthy behavior through discussions and videos. Once they attain this knowledge, many join outreach programs that visit public places such as soccer fields, schools, and market places to inform others about safer sexual behavior.
Tell me a bit about Angola and whether its social/political context was conducive to BCC campaigns.
Angola was at war for 30 years, then independence came, then civil war. Then communists tried to take power so it has only been for 6 years that peace has settled in Angola. Many areas have had to be completely rebuilt. Those who made a living through agriculture still cannot farm from the widespread danger of landmines in rural areas. So a lot of money has gone into rebuilding and restructuring, leaving little funds for social marketing.
For the full interview:
Download luis_martinez_interview.pdf