adminZimbabwe recently introduced the Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) which is an interactive process with communities to develop tailored messages and approaches using a variety of communication channels to develop positive behaviors; promote and sustain individual, community and societal behavior change.
The home visit approach entails Behaviour Change Facilitators (BCFs) visiting households in the district and going through a risk assessment to determine information needs of the household members. The BCFs will also take the family through relations buildingA� and communication strengthening exercises .
The implementation of the Behaviour Change (BC) programme took the form of an integrated approach to address demand side barriers to accessing Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) products and services.
Behaviour Change Facilitators (BCFs) adopted the home visit approach in order to create demand for services for all the components of the Combination Prevention approach.
BCFs are using the door to door approach to enhance information dissemination through Inter-Personal Communication (IPC) reaching families, couples and individuals.
Topics discussed are on transmission of HIV, cervical cancer, sexual networks, communication in the family, among others. After going through discussion sessions, the BCF will leave the families with specific recommendations of HIV, SRH and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services available to them and referral slips for the different services available.
Gerald Chirima (34), a BCF in Harare North says he enjoys his work a lot. He stated that what makes his work interesting is that he lets participants dictate the pace of the discussion.
Chirima constantly checks on participantsa�� attention levels and departs their homes while they are still interested so that they can welcome him back the next day.
a�?If I notice that the people need to cook or work on something, I excuse myself and ask to come the next day when they are free. The trick is not to annoy the people I visit . . . I keep them interested,a�? Chirima said.
Community engagement is the cornerstone of the Behaviour Change Programme. Through the years it has been learnt that to successfully address HIV/Aids and improve quality of life there is need to invest in better integration, collaboration, and co-ordination of resources from multiple community sectors.
Indeed community engagement has proved to be a powerful vehicle for bringing about behavioural changes that are improving the health of our communities.
A compliment of 4 600 behaviour change facilitators drive the Behaviour Change programme. The successes realised to date are greatly attributed to these dedicated volunteers.
When a BCF visits your home, please welcome them and allow them to discuss with you issues that will help you and your family with regards to your health and well being.
Online Reporter