Get Off the Sexual Network!, a provocative and informative campaign, was launched in September 2009 and immediately created a buzz in Uganda. Currently, the HIV infection rate in Uganda is increasing the most among married and co-habiting people and those with multiple concurrent partners (rather than in most-at-risk populations—commercial sex workers, truck drivers, and fisher folk).
Get Off the Sexual Network! raises awareness about the practice of couples having multiple and concurrent partners--a “side dish” or “take away”--and illustrates how this practice puts one on the sexual network and at greater risk for HIV infection. Through a phased approach, campaign messages promote mutual monogamy and steps to get off the sexual network. A number of communication methods are used for an urban, educated, wealthier target audience including Facebook, SMS, TV and radio spots, local theater, and radio skits with call-ins as well as links to simultaneous couples HIV campaigns such as “Go Together, Know Together” couples HIV counseling and testing campaign.
The campaign is led by the Uganda Health Marketing Group (UHMG), part of the AFFORD project, funded by USAID, that delivers affordable health care solutions using innovative marketing and communication approaches.
More about the AFFORD Health Marketing Initiative
Videos:
Get Off the Sexual Network campaign compilation
One Love TV spot
Links to this media are given below.