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. 

On the transfer, co-founder Victoria Martin expressed her pleasure to see this work continue under Wits' leadership, knowing that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction. 

As Wits, we honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades and look forward building from that strong base. This includes co-founders Warren Feek (1953-2024) and Victoria Martin as well as La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA), which continues independently at lainiciativadecomunicacion.com with links to The CI Global site. We are also eager to forge new partnerships and entertain new ideas as we consider how best to contribute to social and behaviour change in our rapidly evolving environment.

If you are joining the International Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) Summit in Panama, please join Wits and CILA on Monday, 22 June, to share your thoughts and suggestion for the relaunch of the Communication Initiative. We will be in Pacifica 5 from 12-1:25 for the Refuel, Reflect, and Renew Lunch Series: The Communication Initiative: celebrating a driving force for Communication for Social Change and the way forward. We will reflect on the legacy of Warren Feek and family in creating the Communication Initiative, consider the contributions of CI over the years and then turn our attention towards the future in this dynamic session. 

If you are unable to join us in Panama, we still want to hear from you. Please contribute your thoughts by following this link: https://redcap.link/CommunicationInitiative2026 or reaching out to ci_surveys@commint.com. 

You can also follow the QR Code:

 https://redcap.link/CommunicationInitiative2026

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Digital Pulse - Ch 3 - Sec 2 - OneWorld Radio AIDS Network

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Summary

The Digital Pulse: The Current and Future Applications of Information and Communication Technologies for Developmental Health Priorities


Chapter 3 - Programme Experiences: Sixty Case Studies Of ICT Usage In Developmental Health

Section 2 – Social Development, Education, Advocacy



OneWorld Radio AIDS Network


OneWorld Radio




Development Issues: HIV/AIDS, Health, Radio


Programme Summary

In an effort to promote free exchange of programmes on AIDS/HIV between radio stations worldwide, the online sustainable development network, OneWorld has launched a radio AIDS Network. OneWorld's AIDS Radio portal offers services and networking for broadcasters and civil society organizations that are interested in using radio/audio to promote awareness through the exchange of news and public education on HIV/AIDS.Globally, radio programming is being used to share experiences of those with HIV/AIDS and to give advice on reducing risk and supporting those living with the disease. However, the HIV/AIDS awareness and other audio material produced by NGOs, government agencies, and broadcasters is usually restricted to the geographical area where it has been produced and aired.The network includes 100 member organizations and radio stations worldwide, broadcasters, NGOs, and activists.


Summary of ICT Initiatives

Located at OneWorld Radio site, OneWorld Radio AIDS Network has a searchable database exchange of audio files that allows broadcasters and other programme producers to upload and download AIDS programming in any language. Radio stations around the world can then rebroadcast this copyright-free material or adapt it for their own audiences. Anyone with Internet access can listen to the programmes online.


The impact of this program is especially powerful because of its focus on two-way communications. Member organizations are empowered and their ability to contribute to the global fight against AIDS is enhanced. Innovative programs that would otherwise only be heard in one country receive international exposure and can contribute to other broadcasters development of “new and imaginative” programming. Membership is oriented towards inclusiveness and the network tries to improve the capacity of its partners by offering its members:

  • Online technical and non-technical training resources
  • A directory and listing services about communications trainers and courses
  • A directory of funders and news about upcoming grant prospects

The OneWorld Radio AIDS Network website also includes news, training materials, funding information, and other practical resources for national and community broadcasters, health educators, and campaigners as well as people working in AIDS/HIV organisations, aid agencies and development NGOs. The network also provides support and coverage for important activist campaigns. The training materials section provides access to both clinical and communication materials oriented towards combating and dealing with AIDS.


A sample search for AIDS related radio programs returned over 350 possibilities in a host of languages, ranging from English to Amharic, Xhosa, and Oromo. The format for the programs is diverse as well, including:

  • Short Public Service Announcements (PSAs) oriented towards mass media consumption.
  • Radio dramas and soap operas that communicate important messages about behaviour and relationship practices.
  • Full-length documentaries that examine the socio-economic impacts of AIDS, the real-life stories of victims and survivors, and clinical practices and strategies for prevention.
  • Popular music with preventative messages that have resulted from commissioned work on the part of both local organizations and international NGOs.
  • Talk shows addressing AIDS and lifestyle issues
  • Children's Programming

OneWorld Network members are supported in their endeavours by OneWorld's partnership with the World Association of Community Broadcasters (AMARC), an international organization that provides advocacy and capacity building support to local radio-stations and production groups.


Observations

Radio has proved to be an exceptionally valuable tool in the strategic dissemination of AIDS prevention materials. The Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (JHU/CCP)'s 21 episode program Les clés de la vie: Yamba – Songo (which is featured on the OneWorld site - click here) was shown to be effective in generating positive changes in behaviours and attitudes towards sexual health and AIDS/STD prevention.


The potential for the exchange of materials and ideas concerning communication strategies is enhanced by the type of broad based sharing of materials and media that is facilitated by the OneWorld Network.


Partners: The World Association of Community Broadcasters (AMARC).


Source: Press Release sent to the OneWorld Radio Aids Network list server on June 27, 2002, and the OneWorld website.


For More Information Contact:

AIDS Radio Network, Editor - Siviwe Minyi

14 Poplar Avenue

Thornton, Cape

7460

South Africa

Tel.: +27 21 534-2235

Mobile: +27 21 82 8981669

siviwe.minyi@oneworld.net