Innovations in PrEP sensitization in resource constrained settings
USAID DISCOVER-Health developed digital tools to support sensitization and provide basic information about the newly introduced Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) HIV prevention intervention in Zambia. A toll-free PrEP USSD short code was developed to provide information about PrEP and empower people to access information that meets their immediate needs. It is accessible to those with basic mobile phones and smart phones. In addition to providing PrEP information, the USSD code has a nationwide directory of PrEP clinics. The PrEP USSD short code was included in a number of marketing products, including digital PrEP adverts that were shared on social media and through WhatsApp messages, and piloted via free Captive WIFI at selected events. The short code was also included in PrEP adverts broadcast via radio and TV. Over 4.5 million people were reached on social media with messaging including the USSD short code between April-September 2019. The PrEP advert has been played over 4,800 times on 22 of the major and community radio stations across the country. The PrEP advert has been heard by over 90 million people and watched by over 14 million people (IPSOS next day recall). Partly as a result of this, over 140,933 people accessed the national toll-free USSD Code for information about PrEP. Of these, 27,889 asked for more information about the nearest PrEP facility. The use of both new and traditional SBC approaches have contributed to the roll-out of PrEP in Zambia.
Background/Objectives:
USAID DISCOVER-Health developed digital tools to support sensitization around and the provision of basic information about the newly introduced Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) HIV prevention intervention in Zambia. This was in support of the broader national HIV prevention campaign Zambia Ending AIDS. The tools were informed by findings from a human centered design assessment and through PrEP programme roll-out.
Description of Intervention and/or Methods/Design:
A toll-free PrEP USSD short code, available on all major networks, was developed to provide information about PrEP. The USSD short code aims to empower people to access information on demand that meets their immediate needs. It is accessible to those with basic mobile phones as well as smart phones. Beyond simple information provision, the USSD code is linked to actionable next steps and includes a nationwide directory of PrEP clinics. The PrEP USSD short code was included in a number of marketing products, including digital PrEP adverts that were shared on social media and through WhatsApp messages, and piloted via free Captive WIFI at selected events. The short code was also included in PrEP adverts broadcast via radio and TV. The radio advert was translated into six of the seven major languages in Zambia.
Results/Lessons Learned:
Over 4.5 million people were reached on social media with messaging including the USSD short code between April-September 2019. The PrEP advert has been played over 4,800 times on 22 of the major and community radio stations across the country. The PrEP advert has been heard over 90 million times and watched over 14 million times (IPSOS next day recall). Partly as a result of this, over 140,933 people accessed the national toll-free USSD short code for information about PrEP. Of these, 27,889 asked for more information about the nearest PrEP facility. The USSD short code was initially not available on all networks which may have contributed to the relatively small number of people accessing the services. People tended to access the USSD code and seek further information via the associated Facebook pages when there was high rotation of the PrEP adverts on radio.
Discussion/Implications for the Field:
The use of both new and traditional SBC approaches have contributed to the roll-out of PrEP in Zambia. A key finding from the PrEP programme review that took place in July 2018 was that people are often misinformed about PrEP. The USSD short has helped to address misinformation about PrEP by allowing people to anonymously access a reliable source of information when they need it through basic technology (no smart phone or internet connection required).
Abstract submitted by:
Mwansa Charity Njelesani - John Snow, Inc.
Francis Kasonde - John Snow, Inc.
Monze Muleya - John Snow, Inc.
Answell Chipukuma - John Snow, Inc.
Mutinta Nyumbu - John Snow, Inc.
Muka Chikuba-McLeod - John Snow, Inc.
Background/Objectives:
USAID DISCOVER-Health developed digital tools to support sensitization around and the provision of basic information about the newly introduced Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) HIV prevention intervention in Zambia. This was in support of the broader national HIV prevention campaign Zambia Ending AIDS. The tools were informed by findings from a human centered design assessment and through PrEP programme roll-out.
Description of Intervention and/or Methods/Design:
A toll-free PrEP USSD short code, available on all major networks, was developed to provide information about PrEP. The USSD short code aims to empower people to access information on demand that meets their immediate needs. It is accessible to those with basic mobile phones as well as smart phones. Beyond simple information provision, the USSD code is linked to actionable next steps and includes a nationwide directory of PrEP clinics. The PrEP USSD short code was included in a number of marketing products, including digital PrEP adverts that were shared on social media and through WhatsApp messages, and piloted via free Captive WIFI at selected events. The short code was also included in PrEP adverts broadcast via radio and TV. The radio advert was translated into six of the seven major languages in Zambia.
Results/Lessons Learned:
Over 4.5 million people were reached on social media with messaging including the USSD short code between April-September 2019. The PrEP advert has been played over 4,800 times on 22 of the major and community radio stations across the country. The PrEP advert has been heard over 90 million times and watched over 14 million times (IPSOS next day recall). Partly as a result of this, over 140,933 people accessed the national toll-free USSD short code for information about PrEP. Of these, 27,889 asked for more information about the nearest PrEP facility. The USSD short code was initially not available on all networks which may have contributed to the relatively small number of people accessing the services. People tended to access the USSD code and seek further information via the associated Facebook pages when there was high rotation of the PrEP adverts on radio.
Discussion/Implications for the Field:
The use of both new and traditional SBC approaches have contributed to the roll-out of PrEP in Zambia. A key finding from the PrEP programme review that took place in July 2018 was that people are often misinformed about PrEP. The USSD short has helped to address misinformation about PrEP by allowing people to anonymously access a reliable source of information when they need it through basic technology (no smart phone or internet connection required).
Abstract submitted by:
Mwansa Charity Njelesani - John Snow, Inc.
Francis Kasonde - John Snow, Inc.
Monze Muleya - John Snow, Inc.
Answell Chipukuma - John Snow, Inc.
Mutinta Nyumbu - John Snow, Inc.
Muka Chikuba-McLeod - John Snow, Inc.
Source
Approved abstract for the postponed 2020 SBCC Summit in Marrakech, Morocco. Provided by the International Steering Committee for the Summit. Image credit: USAID DISCOVER-Health via Facebook