Workplace-based text messaging on health launched in Uganda

Submitted by estar about 6 months ago

By Esther Nakkazi, Uganda Key Correspondent

The first Health Initiatives for the Private Sector (HIPS) and Text to Change (TTC) will launch the first ever workplace based Short Message Service (SMS) program in Uganda and probably in Africa.

The purpose of the SMS project is to increase access to health information among employees and their families while at work particularly in the areas of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, malaria, reproductive health and family planning.

HIPS is piloting the program in three of the private sector companies namely, Kakira Sugar Works, Kinyara Sugar and Kasese Cobalt Company Limite.

The program will run on a toll free line on the MTN, Zain, UTL and Warid networks. An audience of 10,000 people divided among the 3 companies has been targeted to receive the multiple, choice questions and messages about their health.

Radio stations shall announce the start of the program and demonstrate the SMS program methodology. Through this partnership, TTC expects to galvanize and harness the existing efforts by HIPS and its partners which are aimed at preventing the further spread of HIV and TB.

The mobile phone subscriber growth rate in Uganda is 30 percent, which surpasses the 27 percent in the rest of Africa. Currently there are over nine million mobile phone subscribers compared to 760,000 in 2003. This underlines the importance of using the mobile phone as an innovative tool in reaching targeted communities.

Short message texts crafted in an innovative way can be easily read and understood and can be received at any time and anywhere. They can also easily spark a debate on a contentious issue, which enhances knowledge acquisition.

The SMS will not only be in English but will also be in Luganda and Runyoro to reach the non-English speaking community members.

The individuals can keep the messages in their phones and use them at a future time to make choices and decisions about their health and help their peers as well.

The program will provide mobile phones, airtime, t-shirts, caps, as some of the prizes to be won which is intended to drive as many responses from the workers as possible.

Data from the SMS messages will be supplemented and confirmed with focus group discussions conducted by HIPS staff and peer educators using available opportunities which include Health Fairs, Community video shows, men only seminars and Peer educators’ trainings.

HIPS works with the Ugandan business community to find cost- effective ways to ensure access to vital health services for company employees, their dependents and the surrounding community members.

It works with companies to design and implement comprehensive health workplace programs in the areas of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, malaria, reproductive health and family planning.

Text to Change is a Dutch organization dedicated to support and improve health education via mobile telephones.

Keywords: HIV sms TB

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