External Evaluation of the Southern African Regional Social and Behavior Change Communication Program, as Implemented in Lesotho

The programme aims to reduce HIV infection by facilitating change through the use of both mass media and community-based activities

Abstract

This report describes the findings from the external evaluation of the Lesotho component of the Southern African Regional Social and Behavior Change Communication Program (BCCP). The program, implemented in eight countries in Southern Africa with funding from the British Department for International Development (DfID), aims to reduce HIV infection by increasing health awareness and by facilitating social and behavioral change through the use of both mass media and community-based activities. In Lesotho, the program is implemented by Phela Health and Development Communications, the Community Media Trust (CMT) and the Southern African HIV and AIDS Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS). The main objective of the evaluation is to assess the net effect of exposure to specific components of the program on key indicators of HIV knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, after controlling for previous programmatic efforts and for other factors or programs that might also concurrently influence or determine those outcomes. A second objective is to determine the value added of the combined approach of the three-partner Regional Program. The results of the study will also be used for a separate analysis of the cost-effectiveness of the program.

Citation

Hutchinson, P.; Wheeler, J.; Silvestre, E.; Anglewicz, P.; Cole, E.; Meekers, D. External Evaluation of the Southern African Regional Social and Behavior Change Communication Program, as Implemented in Lesotho. Southern African Regional Social and Behavior Change Communication Program (BCCP), South Africa (2012) 134 pp.

Published 1 January 2012