Broadcast Programme Planning For Adolescent Reproductive Health In Rwanda

According to this document, data provided by the Rwandan Ministry of Health’s National Reproductive Policy showed that youths and adolescents are exposed to multiple reproductive health-related problems; yet, their sexual and reproductive health was rarely addressed with information or space to discuss and articulate their needs. The author proposed a participatory project focusing on Rwandan urban adolescents and young people with the goal of fostering knowledge and practices regarding sexual and reproductive health using a television show and other entertainment-education tools.

Since in 2004, television access was still limited even in urban areas, the proposed television programme was proposed to be strengthened by other media and entertainment tools, such as radio public service announcements (PSAs), an interactive website, billboards, messaging on cell phones, music concerts, and sport activities. Implementation of the multimedia proposed project was to be grounded in the "P-Process Steps in Strategic Communication" (see related summary below) developed by the Health Communication Partnership.

The project was proposed to emphasise education and entertainment strategy to address the reproductive health needs of Rwandan urban adolescents, and particularly the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The author proposed to focus a one-hour weekly television programme on specific themes related to reproductive health issues of particular concern to youth, such as: friendship and dating; contraceptive methods; unwanted pregnancy; sexually transmitted infections; HIV/AIDS; sexual violence; prostitution; and parent-child communications. The content was to reflect themes, such as self-esteem, skills to be able to make decisions, life objectives, tolerance, and respect. Youth participation was proposed to include formative research, training, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.