The Communication Initiative
Development action with informed and engaged societies
The Communication Initiative
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Published 17 years ago
Last updated 3 years ago
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Vid@net

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In 2008, a global provider of mobile centric information solutions called Voxiva joined with Instituto Carso Salud and TelCel to create a mobile-phone based service for people with HIV on antiretroviral treatment. Its purpose is to support treatment adherence, especially in the lives of those without easy access to the internet, by providing a discrete, timely health intervention in the form of short messaging service (SMS) information and reminders.
Communication Strategies

This mHealth initiative offers a technology-based intervention for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. After registering for the system, which is offered for free to any Mexican living with HIV/AIDS, a user receives twice-weekly SMS tips on issues such as nutrition, sexuality, and emotional health. They can also sign up to receive daily dose and medical appointment reminders. The Vid@net system also includes a personal data dashboard with information on the user's adherence, CD4-positive cell count, viral load, hemoglobin, albumin, and weight. Another Vid@net component allows family, friends, and health practitioners to access the patient's personal data to better support them in their treatment. If a user ever becomes non-adherent, automated messages are sent to pre-designated "treatment buddies", who can then lend that person the social support needed to stay adherent.

Development Issues

HIV/AIDS.

Key Points

Organisers hold that one of the central challenges for HIV/AIDS treatment programmes is getting patients to adhere faithfully to their treatment regimen. Vid@net is designed to address that challenge.

Partners

Voxiva, Carso Health Institute, Telcel, and Medical Clinica.

Sources

Mobile Projects at the International AIDS Conference: A Report from Guest Blogger Kate Jongbloed, August 14 2008; Voxiva Launches Vid@net, A Comprehensive mHealth Adherence System.

Teaser Image
http://www.salud.carso.org/images/pic_tel.jpg