Effective Partnering with the Military using film to Combat Stigma and

Discrimination in Malawi

Mr. Dennis Chimenya

Program Manager – Targeted Outreach Communications

PSI/Malawi

HIV Implementers Conference

Kigali, Rwanda

June 16-19, 2007

Context• HIV prevalence rates higher in military (1)

• Reported condom use inconsistent in Malawi Defense Force (MDF) (2)

• MDF CT services offered, but low access and take up of services due to confidentiality, stigma and discrimination (2)

• No specific materials on HIV/AIDS prevention, counseling and testing, and stigma and discrimination addressing military situations

(Sources: 1 – UN estimates; 2 – MDF KAP survey)

PSI/Malawi and the MDF

• National HIV/AIDS prevention programs through targeted and balanced health communications and condom distribution to high risk groups

• Targeted Outreach Communications (TOC) to high risk groups including men in uniform, spouses and children- uses interpersonal and interactive communications to encourage adoption of risk reduction behaviors

• Worked with MDF to develop “A Soldier's Life” to address high levels of stigma and discrimination, low condom use and low uptake of counseling and testing services – being used for interpersonal sessions. (FY06 - 4,028 MDF personnel and their families reached)

Outcome

Why Partnership workedMDF Protocols

• Constant consultation with them• Sensitive to their requirements

MDF Participation

• Concept development• Script and Storyboard development• Selection of actors and acting • Pre-testing at all relevant levels

MDF have a recognized HIV/AIDS structure with ProgramCoordinator – makes liaison easier

As told by the military…

Challenges

• MDF protocols forced us to choose actors from same rank, limited acting talent

• MDF personnel required substantial acting coaching

• MDF personnel basic HIV/AIDS knowledge lacking - required basic HIV/AIDS education surrounding issues of prevention, stigma and discrimination

Key Recommendations

• Be sensitive to military protocols and directions to ensure program acceptability and relevance

• Ensure military are fully involved in all key steps of IEC and video material development

• Use HIV+ military personnel where possible - increases relevance

Key Recommendations cont...• Lobby for involvement of all levels (including senior

officers) - material becomes relevant to all

• Dedicate additional time and resources to actor coaching

• Ensure senior hierarchy ‘buy in’ and ownership of process and outcomes

• Where funding allows, implement ‘user friendly’ CT Drop In services directly for military - address issues of stigma and discrimination and confidentiality

Thank You, Any Questions?

For more information, please contact: Mr. Dennis Chimenya

Targeted Outreach Communications Program Manager, PSI/Malawi

Email: dchimenya@psimalawi.org