Overview

The Behavior Change and Social Marketing (BCSM) project, funded by USAID, aims to build the capacity of Rwandan institutions to implement HIV/AIDS prevention, malaria and child survival programs. Led by PSI, BCSM will involve district stakeholders, the private sector and the Government of Rwanda. The five-year cooperative agreement will provide technical support, contributing substantially to Rwanda's national goals and the targets of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and President's Malaria Initiative (PMI). CCP is developing and implementing health communication activities and building capacity and technical skills with Rwandan institutions to create sustainable programs.

Accomplishments

• BCSM has strengthened the capacity of Rwanda partner organizations (RPOs) to conduct community level activities, through hair salons, and HIV counseling and testing outreaches.

• The Compassionate Communities model, piloted under CHAMP, is being scaled up to cover more localities and topics beyond HIV/AIDS (i.e., malaria, RH and child survival).

• BCSM produces and broadcasts Inshuti Y’Ubuzima (Friend of Life), a radio distance learning program for community health workers.

• “Collaboration avec les Salons de Coiffure pour L’Education en Matiere de Sante au Rwanda”, a handbook for hair salon operators on HIV/AIDS prevention communication.