Voices of Health Project: Journalists Trained on Using TRAC FM, Reproductive Health Rights and Responsibilities

HEPS UGANDA has successfully completed a two day training of Journalists under the Voices of Health Project. The Journalists selected from Kiboga, Kampala and Mbarara were trained on how to report on reproductive health, rights and responsibilities, contraceptive choice and how to use the web based TRAC FM radio software. The training which attracted 14 journalists took place at Pope Paul Memorial hotel in Ndeeba, August 12-13th 2015.

In this project, HEPS is working with the media to increase awareness of family planning and generate demand from the grass root communities. TRAC FM will enable HEPS Uganda to interact directly with the women and men use family planning/contraception. The TRAC FM platform will be used to feature live interactive SMS polls during radio shows that address the issues to do with family planning accessibility and usage.

By gathering the reactions of the audience, through the TRAC FM platform, radio shows can become even more lively and informed by the voices of the listeners. Meanwhile, Trac FM’s smart visualization of the data will allow HEPS Uganda to evaluate the impact of the project.

Trac FM has a unique approach to involve citizens in collectively monitoring government service delivery and debate on important social issues. With the custom-made Trac FM software, radio stations turn passive radio listeners into active participants. Simple, trusted and widespread formats and technologies like Radio talk-shows and free SMS make the platform very popular.

Under the Voices of Health Project funded by Planned Parenthood Global, HEPS UGANDA aims to;

–          To increase awareness and demand for SRH services and choice by marginalized women, youth and men living in poor communities (rural and urban) in two districts of Isingiro and Kiboga.

–          To assess the availability of essential family planning services and commodities at public and private health facilities in the two target districts of Kiboga and Isingiro

–          To increase engagement of national stakeholders (MoH and its institutions, advocacy groups.

The training of journalists comes in the wake of an imminent community score card which is going to be carried out in both Kiboga and Isingiro between August 2015 to September 2015. Prior to the scorecard is the training of community monitors who are going to be the project champions in terms of sensitizing people about family planning rights and responsibilities.