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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New Research Shows 60% of Namibian Youth Expect to be Infected with HIV in the Next YearData Gathered for New Radio Variety Show Developed by and for Namibian YouthWINDHOEK, Namibia -The majority of Namibian youth believe that they will ultimately get the virus that causes AIDS. This is despite high levels of knowledge and awareness about HIV and AIDS and other health issues, according to research from the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The survey of 15-25 year olds in Greater Windhoek found that 60% believed it was possible that they would be infected with HIV during the next 12 months. Though youth felt fairly confident that they could refuse sex without condoms, the majority also believed that they still could get HIV if they were monogamous (51%) and about one-third of the respondents believed they could still get HIV even if they were abstinent. In response to these findings, UNAM/USAID has launched an innovative, community-driven, radio magazine program to address lifestyle issues raised by the youth. The Suzie and Shafa Show is developed in Namibia for youth, by youth, in partnership with UNAM, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs (CCP), the Media and Technology Studies (MATS) of the Ministry of Basic Education, Sports and Culture, and supported by USAID. "It is the first of its kind to be produced and broadcast in Namibia," says Professor Kingo Mchombu, Head of the Department of Information and Communication Studies at UNAM. The program addresses the key factors Namibian youth are confronted with today, such as perceptions of risk toward HIV infection and HIV testing. For example, while two-thirds of the youth surveyed said they wanted to be tested for HIV, only about a quarter had ever actually been tested. The Suzie and Shafa Show addresses practical issues such as where to go for HIV testing as well as lifestyle issues related to alcohol and drug use, relationship problems, and sexual habits. "The survey findings suggest an extraordinary need for programs that provide youth with the skills and support needed to make healthy choices on lifestyle and behaviour as well as providing hope that it is possible to avoid HIV infection. The Suzie and Shafa Show is a pioneering effort that has young people in partnership, with support from a wide range of community organizations, creating entertaining, provocative and insightful programs that truly reach youth," said C. Kirk Lazell, USAID Health Officer in Namibia. "We are also pleased at the popularity of the show. Though only four shows had been broadcast at the time of the survey, we had already achieved an impressive listenership." The Suzie and Shafa Show airs on UNAM Radio 97.4 FM and will be heard throughout Windhoek. With representatives in more than 30 countries, CCP is a pioneer in the field of strategic, research-based communication for behavior change and health promotion that has helped transform the theory and practice of public health communication. For further information about The Suzie and Shafa Show , contact Nahum Gorelick, CCP's Country Representative in Namibia, Tel: +26461 224404. For more information contact: Kim Martin at Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, 111 Market Place, Suite 310, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, USA. Tel: 410 659-6140; Fax: 410 659-6266 e-mail: press@jhuccp.org. |
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