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

This programme aims to reduce HIV infection through the use of mass media and community-based activities

Abstract

This report describes the findings from the external evaluation of the Swaziland 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 Swaziland, the program is implemented by Lusweti /Soul City 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 other factors or programs that might also concurrently influence or determine those outcomes. The results of the study will also be used for a separate analysis of the cost-effectiveness of the program. The data collection instrument was developed from the questionnaire used for a similar evaluation in Malawi and adapted to the Swaziland context by Tulane, SIAPAC, Lusweti and SAfAIDS. In Swaziland, Lusweti has focused on the production and distribution of mass communication materials based on OneLove branding. These efforts have focused on improving communication within relationships and reducing multiple concurrent partnerships as vital tools in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Key findings related to Lusweti activities and the OneLove campaign are discussed.

Citation

Hutchinson, P.; Silvestre, E.; Anglewicz, P.; Cole, E.; Meekers, D. External Evaluation of the Southern African Regional Social and Behavior Change Communication Program, as Implemented in Swaziland: Report. (2012) 145 pp.

Published 1 January 2012