Mo Kamba (My Mate)

This initiative draws on entertaining radio spots to communicate messages about HIV/AIDS to young people. The intended audience's input was integrated into the design of the spots; in August 2005, the Trust conducted 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) in Benguela and Luanda to test the appeal of the spots among men and women aged 15-24 years old. Researchers found that participants were less likely to understand spots that featured 2 people speaking to the listener rather than 2 people speaking amongst themselves.

Based on this feedback, both radio spots and discussion programmes were created. Produced in 6 different languages, the 16 spots are being broadcast across the RNA national and local channels and various provincial stations. Click here to listen to a sample spot, which integrates rap music produced by local talent; the key message here is that people living with HIV and AIDS are "just like you and lead happy and active lives." The project took advantage of Angola national team's victory in the World Cup qualifier to produce a series of extra spots featuring national football and other sports stars speaking about HIV/AIDS. In addition, 2 weekly discussion programmes are conducted in Portuguese, each of which is recorded live and is approximately 1 hour in length.

To facilitate this process, an external technical consultant made 2 visits to Angola to support the production process and provide formal training to RNA producers, journalists and technical staff. On-the-job training was provided throughout the production process, and a number of informal sessions and workshops were held.

Research and learning are key components of the Mo Kamba programme. During each radio call-in programme, the production team collects the telephone numbers of callers so that the Research & Learning team can then conduct interviews about what listeners think of the show. This team also regularly visits youth in different areas of Luanda to hold FGDs about the content of the radio programme. This process provides insight into what the youth like and dislike about the programme and the topics that are raised; the team also asks listeners which topics they would like to learn more about, and then shapes the programmes accordingly.

HIV/AIDS, Youth.

The goals of Mo Kamba are to:

• raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infection (STI) risks
• combat stigma against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)
• encourage voluntary testing
• encourage consistent use of condoms.