Ms. Cheryl Lettenmaier (L), the Regional Representative of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg University centre for Communication Programs

The showcase event was graced by over 300 young people and representatives from government, international development partners, and civil society who have been actively involved in the Y.E.A.H. initiative over the years. During the event, Y.E.A.H. reviewed its many achievements, materials, products and successes, and called on organizations to continue working with Y.E.A.H. in future.  From its inception in 2004, the majority of support for the initiative has come from the Health Communication Partnership (HCP), a project of the United States Agency for International Development, which is scheduled to end in June this year.

Y.E.A.H Director Ms Anne Gamurorwa reassured stakeholders that, although HCP is ending, Y.E.A.H., which is managed by Communication for Development Foundation Uganda (CDFU), will continue.  “Y.E.A.H. is committed to helping young people enjoy healthier and more productive lives.  Since 2004, Y.E.A.H has positively influenced thousands of young people, many of whom are now married adults.  Our strength has been showing the young people and not dictating to them what to do. Utilising popular multiple channels of communication encourages young people to listen and this has made Rock Point 256 reach 2.5 million young people every week.  In addition, research carried out by HCP found 56% of young people listening in and 75% of those who listened had taken action as a result of listening to Rock Point 256. Thanks to support from a number of private and civil society organisations, Y.E.A.H. will continue producing and broadcasting Rock Point 256 and supporting community based activities, even after HCP ends.”

Minister Ruth Nakadama

The guest of honor, Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, Minister of State for Gender and Culture thanked the Y.E.A.H partnership for work well done and for getting it right by addressing the underlying issues that increase vulnerability to HIV like violence in relationships, sexual exploitation, alcohol.  She applauded targeting men. She thanked the partners of Y.E.A.H and donors especially USAID who have funded Y.E.A.H for the last 8 years.

Ms. Cheryl Lettenmaier, the Regional Representative of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg University centre for Communication Programs who is also Chief of Party of the Health Communication Partnership Project, said the eight years have been worthwhile. CDFU and other organizations now have the capacity for high quality, impactful and innovative interventions.

Y.E.A.H Director, Ms Anne Gamurorwa said, “Y.E.A.H has had a great impact on the lives of young people.

Activities that Y.E.A.H has carried out with Rock Point 256 over the eight (8) years to reach out to the young people and noted that messages have been reinforced through television, weekly radio drama, interpersonal communication, posters among others.

Since 2005, Y.E.A.H has implemented three multi-channel campaigns including: ’Something for Something Love’, ‘Be a Man’ and ‘True Manhood’ campaigns. Under the True Manhood campaign, Y.E.A.H. ran campaigns on alcohol abuse and, recently, violence against women (VAW). Y.E.A.H engages young people and encourages social change through community outreach and training, reinforced by media, including the popular Rock Point 256 radio serial drama which currently broadcasts on 22 radio stations in 4 languages (English, Luganda, Lwo and the 4Rs- Runyakore, Rukiga, Rutooro and Runyoro).

L-R: Nankunda Allen, Anne Gamurorwa and Tushabe Basil

Y.E.A.H has established partnerships with more than 400 Ugandan and international organizations and has directly reached more than 100,000 young people through community based activities and more than 1.6 million young people each year through Rock Point 256. A large proportion of young people reached through Y.E.A.H. report making positive changes in their lives as a result, according to research conducted by HCP in 2008 and 2010.

Ms. Gamurorwa concluded that Y.E.A.H will continue to work with young people to live empowered and healthy lives and receive guidance and support from adults through creative behavioral communication.

EDITOR’S NOTES

The Y.E.A.H Initiative was started in August 2004 by the Uganda AIDS Commission with support from the United States Agency for International Development, and is managed by Communication for Development Foundation Uganda (CDFU) with technical assistance from the Health Communication Partnership (HCP). Y.E.A.H designs and implements multi-channel social and behaviour change communication campaigns for and by young people, 15-24 years old in Uganda, with the  aim of reducing new HIV infections, early pregnancies and early school leaving.

Y.E.A.H has implemented three multi-channel campaigns including: ’Something for Something Love’, ‘Be a Man’ and ‘True Manhood’ campaign. Under True manhood campaign, YEAH run alcohol abuse campaign followed by Violence Against Women (VAW) campaign which is currently being implemented. Through the campaigns, Y.E.A.H engages young people by utilizing mass media and encourages social change through community outreach and training. The radio serial drama (Rock Point 256) is broadcast on 16 radio stations in 4 languages (English, Luganda, Lwo and the 4Rs- Runyakore, Rukiga, Rutooro and Runyoro).

Violence against Women Poster

The Guest of honour was Dr. David Kihumuro Apuuli, Director General of the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), the champions of the Y.E.A.H initiative.

The campaign aims to convince young men to speak out against violence against women and to educate men and women about the new Domestic Violence Act. Ultimately, the True Manhood campaign aims to influence young men to reject violence in their relationships.

In her remarks, Anne Gamurorwa the Executive Director, Y.E.A.H said that Y.E.A.H is focusing on Violence against women because: according to research, Violence against women is widespread; it increases men’s and women’s risk to HIV; causes more problems beyond HIV e.g. disfiguring, injuring, humiliation and killing of women by their partners;  women do not speak out against violence because they think it is normal or they do not want to see their men go to prison and the men who know that Violence against women is not right do not speak out against it with their families and friends. “I call upon men to stand up and refuse to accept Violence against women, work out their differences non-violently and to respect women as their equal with equal rights to a peaceful existence”, said Ms. Gamurorwa.

While launching the Violence against women campaign, Dr. Kihumuro Apuuli said that Violence Against Women is an important reason why HIV has continued to spread in Uganda.

Violence against Women Poster

“Women in abusive relationships less likely to tell their partner if they test positive, less likely to ask partners to use condoms, or even to test together for HIV”, added Dr. Kihumuro. He urged fellow men to behave respectfully towards women, reject violence in their relationships, speak out to others about violence in relationships and seek to know the Domestic Violence (DV) Act 2010. He also encouraged the women to seek protection from the LC system, police and other duty bearers if experiencing violence using the DV Act.

The prevention of Violence Against Women campaign was launched at regional level in the districts of Mbarara, Jinja, Luweero and Lira.

The Violence Against Women (VAW) Campaign materials include:

• The 2010 Y.E.A.H Survey Highlights: Young People’s Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Assessment Tool
• Rock Point 256 Comic book
• Fact sheet on VAW
• Posters
• Hop, skip and jump game
• The Domestic Violence Act (2010)

YEAH Director, Ms Anne Gamurorwa hands over an award to Daudi of Audio Central at the Rock Awards Ceremony.

Every week, over 3.8 million youths (15-24 years) listen to Rock Point 256, according to recent research. The drama is designed to get people talking about “something for something love”, what it means to be a man, HIV, alcohol, violence against women, family planning, and communication between adults and young people.

Selected by a panel of judges, eight actors and actresses who perform in the four language dramas received cash prizes for their outstanding performances.  Y.E.A.H. also presented the “Rock in Me” awards to five young listeners from the Central, Northern, Western and Eastern regions of the country who have been inspired by Rock Point 256 to live healthy lifestyles. Each received a cash prize.

Over 500 guests including Rock Point 256 actors and actresses, celebrities, fans, supporters and the media attended the event.

More than 400 talented young writers, directors, producers, actors, actresses and national and international communication experts bring Rock Point 256 to life every week on 16 radio stations in 4 languages since 2005. Rock Point 256 was named the best radio programme of 2010 by New Vision readers, and has won an international award for excellence in HIV communication from AfriComNet.

“Performing artists should continue using their talents to contribute towards the reduction of HIV amongst young people in Uganda,” said Ms Anne Gamurorwa, the Y.E.A.H Director.

The Y.E.A.H Initiative was started in August 2004 by the Uganda AIDS Commission with support from the United States Agency for International Development, and is managed by Communication for Development Foundation Uganda (CDFU) with technical assistance from the Health Communication Partnership (HCP). Y.E.A.H designs and implements multi-channel social and behaviour change communication campaigns for and by young people, 15-24 years old in Uganda, with the  aim of reducing new HIV infections, early pregnancies and early school leaving.

Best Actress and Actor receive their prizes.

Rock Point 256, a 30-minute radio serial drama for Ugandan youth, is designed to influence the actions of its young listeners by modeling positive behaviors. Story lines have included unplanned pregnancies, couple HIV/AIDS counseling and testing, unprotected sex, stigma, violence against women and alcohol abuse. The radio program broadcasts in 4 languages every week on 22 radio stations across Uganda.

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More than half the young people surveyed in 14 districts of Uganda have listened to the series and one third of listeners tune in regularly. The award winning radio program was voted the best radio program of 2010 by readers of New Vision, the leading daily newspaper in Uganda.

The radio program is supported with Rock Point 256 comic books and interactive tools and peer educators are trained on using these tools.

Rock Point 256 is produced by Y.E.A.H. (Young Empowered and Healthy) with technical assistance from the Health Communication Partnership-Uganda with funding from USAID.

Links to this media are given below.

• Rock Point Radio Episode-1.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-2.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-3.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-4.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-5.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-6.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-7.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-8.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-9.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-10.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-11.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-12.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-13.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-14.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-15.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-16.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-17.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-18.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-19.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-20.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-21.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-22.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-23.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-24.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-25.mp3
• Rock Point Radio Episode-26.mp3

Rock Point 256 is an award-winning 30-minute radio serial drama for young people in Uganda that broadcasts weekly on 13 radio stations.

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The radio series was officially launched in July, 2005, by the First Lady of Uganda Janet Museveni, and began broadcasts in August that year. Since August, 2005, the series has continually broadcast, and has reached up to 50% of young people 15 – 24 in Uganda, according to a media survey conducted in September, 2007, by The Steadman Group.

Winner of the 2007 AfriComNet Award for Excellence in HIV and AIDS Communication in the Best Multi-Channel Communication category, Rock Point 256 tells the story of the people living in a fishing and farming community called Rock Point. The series is produced in English, Luganda, Runyankole/Rukiga/Runyoro/Rutooro, Lwo, and Ateso.

Rock Point is the imaginary trading center, much like any other town in rural Uganda, where the drama unfolds. It got its name because rocks are a very common feature of the Ugandan landscape, and because rocks are solid, firm, and steadfast; 256 is the country telephone code for Uganda, indicating the national identity of the series. The slogan for the series is “discover the rock in you.”

Find out more on Rock Point 256

• Rock Point Episodes
• Rock Point 256 launch and promotion
• Rock Point 256 Scripting and production process
• Rock Point 256 Broadcast schedule
• Rock Point 256 Listenership (Reach) and effect

NEW SPONSORS OF ROCK POINT

Gender Minister Ruth Nakadama and YEAH director Anne Gamurorwa

While officiating at the YEAH initiative supported by agencies from the United stated on Friday, the minister of state for culture, Lukia Nakadama noted that it’s through such external support that the you have been capable of improving on their earnings and life status and empowering then economically.

Poverty in the youth is high, but government together with its partners has worked out all possible means through which this challenge can be reduced.

We need the youth who study to add on the job percentage. That’s why the current youth fund is another manifestation that government is adopting to have more employment opportunities, noted Nakadama.

Ms Cheryl Lettenmailer and Ms Nankunda Allen

SOURCE: RED PEPPER (1^st Many 2012)

Councillors respond to calls at the call center

A five year strategic plan for the hotline is currently being developed and will guide future operations of the hotline working in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

Issues Handled

The hotline addresses issues in 6 major areas these include; HIV/AIDS, Family Planning, Male Circumcision, Reproductive Health, Maternal Health, Alcohol Abuse, Gender Based Violence and Malaria.

The Telephone System
The National Health Hotline has a Call Center and a PABX which distributes calls automatically, monitors calls/ agents, records call statistics and has call waiting and call forwarding functions.

It also has a computerized database system containing Frequently Asked Questions, referral information, quick links, caller’s data and national and international policy guidelines.

Working Hours
It’s available Monday – Friday from 8.00am – 4.00pm. Closed over the weekends and public holidays

Contact us
For Information and Counseling Call – 0800-200-600 or 0312-500-600

For Partnership and funding Contact
Anne Gamurorwa Executive Director CDFU anne@cdfuug.co.ug
Faith Nassozi Kyateka Hotline Coordinator faithn@hcpuganda.org

Statistics April – June 2011

During the last quarter (April – June 2011) the National Health Hotline received a total of 16,646 calls from all different parts of the country. Male callers dominated the calls with over 70% of the total number of calls as illustrated in the graph below.

Download more information about the National Health Hotline

Duncan’s mum was going about her daily chores when she heard a radio advert by Y.E.A.H asking young people to call a National Health Hotline if they are having problems with alcohol. She pleaded with her son to call in. He was very reluctant and as usual ignored her. However, with time, she was able to convince him to make that call. Duncan’s call was received by a counsellor who helped Duncan take the first step to making a change.

As Duncan narrates his story, what struck me most are the several scars on his body; scars he sustained in accidents when drunk and in fights with married men whose wives he was preying on when drunk. In addition to that, his once winsome smile that I see in his photo album is no more. With the smoking, his teeth and gums are dark, with several gaps in between, as a result of losing several teeth in accidents. He says, ‘After university, I got a good job. Shortly after, I got married. Life was good. My family had great expectations in me. Being the first born, my six siblings looked up to me morally and financially.

I worked so hard. I dreamed of attaining a PHD one day. However, this changed drastically when my workmate, slowly but successfully lured me to start drinking. I drunk all my earnings and spent more on prostitutes. I went as far as disrespecting my wife by taking prostitutes home. Her patience ran out. She left but I was not bothered. I thought that I had attained my freedom. At the time, she had tried to involve several people to speak with me to change but I had ignored them. Such talks always ended in insults. I called them all sorts of names. They chose to leave me alone.

One morning, after spending the night in the bar, I reported to work in my usual state, red eyed, drunk, stinking of alcohol and very shabby indeed. I was fired. After a few months, the landlord evicted me out of the house for failure to pay rent. I went home. My mother wept when she saw me, and yet I didn’t feel any remorse for her. What had happened to her son? Where did she go wrong as a mother? I went ahead to subject her to more pain by selling whatever I could steal from her property in order to afford a drink.

The poor woman had resigned to praying for me. And indeed God answered her prayers. It has not been easy but with the support of the Hotline counsellor and rehabilitation centre, am steadily getting back on track. To the young people, don’t wait to lose your family, job, dignity before you stop drinking. You may recover but what about the wasted years and probably, the positive HIV status?”

If you are in a similar situation or know of someone who is,  please contact the National Health Hotline on 0800-200-600 or 0312-500-600.

CLICK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD

I credit my victory to Y.E.A.H, an organization for and by the young people. I first met Y.E.A.H in 2007. I was trained as a YAG member (Young Peoples Advisory Group). Whenever I went out to speak to young people during the Y.E.A.H activities, I became popular among the young people. They loved messages that we passed on to them. These were Y.E.A.H messages aimed at attaining healthy and reproductive lives. These messages made me very popular among the young people, who are the majority voters in the area.

I later on formed a community based organization (CBO) and continued to implement Y.E.A.H activities and messages. I am still the focal person for Y.E.A.H at the organization.

Y.E.A.H’s exposure and programs have been very encouraging and empowering for me

I applaud Y.E.A.H for the good work it is doing among young people. I pray that it continues with such activities geared towards empowering young people attain their full potential in life by leading healthy and productive lives.

Please don’t stop until every young person has discovered the Rock in them.”