In the heart of Kibaale District, where radio remains the most accessible form of communication, the Rural Smiles Foundation  has launched a bold new initiative: the Voices for Health: Radio Awareness Campaign on HIV/AIDS. This weekly radio program, airing every Thursday from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM on KDR FM 100.3 MHz, is designed to combat misinformation, break the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, and connect rural communities to lifesaving health information.

Why Radio?

In rural Uganda, especially in hard-to-reach subcounties, access to health education remains a challenge. During a consultative meeting with LCIII Chairpersons across Kibaale District in March 2025, local leaders voiced growing concern over the misinformation, silence, and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Young people, men, and even community elders continue to hold misconceptions about HIV transmission, and fear prevents many from seeking testing or treatment.

With this in mind, RSF has turned to radio, a trusted and far-reaching tool in these communities, to spark conversation and provide reliable, consistent, and culturally appropriate health education.

What to Expect

Each broadcast features Dr. Richard Lubega, a passionate and highly knowledgeable medical expert, who leads the program with facts, empathy, and clarity. From explaining HIV prevention and treatment options to addressing stigma and encouraging testing, the show offers a comprehensive and interactive experience.

Listeners can call in, send SMS messages, or interact via social media to ask questions during the live show, creating a space for learning and community dialogue. The broadcasts are complemented by daily radio jingles aired throughout the week to reinforce key messages in local languages.

Episode Highlights

Over the coming weeks, topics will include:

• The basics of HIV/AIDS: Facts vs. myths
• How HIV is transmitted — and how it isn’t
• HIV and youth: Prevention strategies for young people
• Living positively: Testimonies from people living with HIV
• The role of men in ending HIV stigma
• Accessing treatment: ART and health services near you
• Community-based HIV testing and counseling

Each show is backed by RSF’s field team who follow up with local health centers and peer educators to link listeners to testing and support services.

Our Goals

Through this campaign, RSF aims to:

• Reach at least 120,000 rural listeners with factual information on HIV/AIDS
• Increase uptake of HIV testing and linkage to care
• Challenge harmful cultural myths and reduce HIV-related stigma
• Encourage open conversations and normalize seeking help

Join the Movement

You can be part of this transformation. Tune in every Thursday on KDR FM 100.3 MHz from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Share the program with friends and neighbors. Encourage youth and men in your community to listen in. Let’s raise our voices for health, dignity, and equality.

Together, let’s end the silence. Let’s break the stigma. Let’s protect our communities.

📻 #VoicesForHealth | #EndAIDSStigma | #ProtectRuralLives