Project Background

HIV/AIDS continues to be a significant public health challenge in Uganda, particularly in rural districts like Kibaale, where limited access to health education, persistent stigma, and widespread myths have contributed to low testing uptake, poor ART adherence, and discrimination against people living with HIV.

Despite national progress in HIV prevention and treatment, many rural populations remain underserved by traditional awareness campaigns. During a consultative meeting with LCIII Chairpersons in Kibaale District, community leaders raised alarm over the increasing complacency and misinformation surrounding HIV/AIDS — particularly among young people and men.

Recognizing the broad reach and influence of community radio, the Rural Smiles Foundation identified a gap: the lack of regular, engaging, and evidence-based health content tailored to rural listeners in local languages. The “Voices for Health” campaign was developed in direct response to this need, aiming to amplify accurate HIV/AIDS information, empower communities to take charge of their health, and connect them to available local services.

Project Summary

The Voices for Health initiative is a radio-based public health awareness campaign by the Rural Smiles Foundation in collaboration with KDR FM and local health professionals. The program is designed to inform, engage, and transform attitudes toward HIV/AIDS through weekly talk shows, community storytelling, and interactive broadcasts.

Launched in May 2025, the campaign targets thousands of rural listeners across Kibaale District and surrounding areas, delivering culturally tailored and scientifically sound messages to reduce HIV/AIDS stigma and improve health-seeking behaviors.

Project Summary

The Voices for Health initiative is a strategic radio-based public health awareness campaign spearheaded by the Rural Smiles Foundation in collaboration with KDR FM and health professionals. The project aims to bridge the HIV/AIDS knowledge gap and promote positive health-seeking behaviors among rural populations in Kibaale District, where stigma, myths, and limited access to information continue to hinder progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Launched in May 2025, the program leverages the reach and influence of local radio to deliver high-impact, culturally relevant education and live community engagement every week. It is part of Rural Smiles Foundation’s broader commitment to health and health rights for all.

Broadcast Schedule

• Station: KDR FM – 100.3 MHz
• Time: Every Thursday, 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Language: Runyoro - Rutooro

Goal

To empower rural communities with accurate information and practical knowledge on HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, care, and treatment using radio as an inclusive, affordable, and far-reaching communication platform.

Specific Objectives

• Increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention, and treatment in Kibaale District.
• Promote voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) and linkage to care services among rural populations.
• Combat harmful myths, misconceptions, and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS through factual and respectful education.
• Create a platform for dialogue between communities and health experts through live, interactive radio engagements.
• Encourage community leadership and youth involvement in HIV/AIDS education and advocacy.

Key Components and Activities

🎙️ Weekly Radio Talk Shows

Each one-hour radio session is hosted by Dr. Richard Lubega, a qualified and experienced medical professional, and features discussions on thematic topics such as:

• HIV/AIDS basics and epidemiology
• Modes of transmission and prevention methods (including condom use, PMTCT, PEP & PrEP)
• Importance of early testing and knowing one’s status
• Accessing and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART)
• Gender and HIV: Impacts on women and youth
• Addressing stigma and discrimination
• Co-infections (e.g., TB and STIs)

📞 Live Call-In & SMS Sessions

Listeners are encouraged to call in or send messages during each program. This interactive format enables real-time questions and answers, ensuring the community's concerns are addressed by trusted professionals.

📻 Daily Radio Jingles and Spot Messages

Pre-recorded jingles, crafted in simple language, are aired multiple times daily to reinforce key HIV/AIDS messages. These spots serve as a constant reminder about prevention, testing, and available health services.

🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏽 Community Storytelling & Testimonies

Select episodes will feature stories and testimonies from people living with HIV, community health workers, and caregivers to personalize the message and humanize the issue.

Geographical Focus

This campaign targets Kibaale District, including both town and hard-to-reach rural subcounties where health education access is minimal.

Target Beneficiaries

• Adolescents and young people
• Women of reproductive age
• Men and boys
• Persons living with HIV/AIDS
• Local leaders, teachers, and parents
• General public in rural communities

Expected Outcomes

• At least 120,000 radio listeners reached with HIV/AIDS prevention and care messages.
• Increased HIV testing rates and referrals for treatment in local health centers.
• Improved community knowledge and reduced HIV-related stigma and misinformation.
• Enhanced engagement between rural residents and health professionals.
• Strengthened public discourse on HIV/AIDS and related health issues.

Partners

• KDR FM – Kibaale District Radio: Our official media partner providing talk-time and technical support.
• Kibaale District Health Department: Supporting technical review of content and referrals to health services.
• Dr. Richard Lubega: Lead presenter and content expert.
• Community Health Workers and Peer Educators: Mobilization and feedback channels on-ground.

Sustainability Approach

Rural Smiles Foundation aims to expand this initiative beyond the pilot phase by integrating health radio programming into its long-term community health communication strategy. Plans are underway to:

• Train youth and local leaders as community radio correspondents
• Establish ongoing partnerships with radio stations for discounted airtime
• Develop repeatable audio toolkits and translated content for reuse

Get Involved

We welcome:

• Financial partners to help expand coverage and duration.
• Health experts willing to join as guest speakers.
• Community members who want to share stories or serve as peer mobilizers.

Support us in empowering communities with knowledge and dignity.

📧 Contact Us: partnerships@ruralsmiles.org