Communicating sexual reproductive health and rights to Zambian youth : A case study of the non-governmental organization Youth Vision Zambia

Abstract: HIV/AIDS is widely spread in Zambia. Numerous organizations work to disseminate information about how individuals can prevent themselves and others from infection. Youth Vision Zambia (YVZ) is a non- governmental organization that works from Lusaka, Zambia to increase knowledge about sexual reproductive health and rights among young people aged 10-24. This qualitative case study explores which means of communication strategies YVZ uses to reach and inform their target group about Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) by interviewing staff working for the organization. A qualitative survey was also conducted where 29 respondents belonging to the target group answered questions regarding the information about SRHR they have received from YVZ, how they were reached and if they find the work of YVZ of importance. In order to also get a perception about the interpersonal communication channels YVZ use I attended four meetings arranged for young people where the purpose was to discuss sexual health related issues conducting participant observations. In addition, YVZ put an extensive effort on providing an SMS-short code system which allows people to send questions related to SRHR and in turn get answers from a YVZ councilor. The aim was to seek answers to whether the users had found the SMS service useful or not. The results show a variety of different communication tools that YVZ uses in their daily work and in the light of previous research on communication for development and social change and health communication an analysis was carried out.