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OFFICE OF THE GLOBAL AIDS COORDINATOR (OGAC)
TO LAUNCH MARCH PROJECT IN LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA
FRIDAY, 06.10.06
LIVINGSTONE,
October 20, 2006: The radio serial drama, ‘Gama Cuulu, Amba Ncoobona”
(Straight to the point - say it as you heard it) was launched today by
The U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Dr. Mark Dybul. This project
is managed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and
funded by the American People through the Presidents Emergency Plan for
AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The Modeling and Reinforcement to Combat HIV/AIDS
(MARCH), project is implemented in partnership with Media Solution.
The drama revolves around six main characters
that face hurdles as triumphs – though mostly hurdles – all
through their long winding paths to maintaining socially accepted and
safe behavior. The radio drama, already a favourite on four radio stations
(Chikuni Radio, Sky FM, Mazabuka Radio and Radio Mosi-O-Tunya) in the
Southern Province, encourages listeners to talk more openly about issues
surrounding the stigma of HIV/AIDS. The program also encourages discussions
around social norms that fuel HIV infection, as well as share more accurate
information on such issues.
‘Gama Cuulu, Amba Ncoobona” is developed, written, acted and
produced by Zambians in the local language chiTonga for the particular
audience in the Southern Province and has a reinforcement component specifically
designed to strengthen the messages, making them more meaningful to the
community.
The MARCH project is also being implemented
in Botswana and Ghana. It started operations in the Southern Province
early this year following a Formative Assessment Study in 2005 in Southern
and Western Provinces.
The launch began with participants marching from
the Livingstone main Post Office to the MARCH project office Shezongo
Road. The main function will be characterized by traditional songs, speeches
and sketches drawn from parts of the main storyline in the drama.
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