press releases

U.S. Global Aids Coordinator Launches “Straight To The Point” Radio Serial

Livingstone
October 20, 2006

LIVINGSTONE. The radio serial drama, ‘Gama Cuulu, Amba Ncoobona” (“Straight to the point - say it as you heard it”) was launched in Livingstone on Friday, October 20, by Ambassador Mark Dybul, the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. The project is managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and funded by the American people through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

The radio drama is part of the Modeling and Reinforcement to Combat HIV/AIDS (MARCH) project, and is implemented in partnership with Media Solutions. The serial revolves around six main characters who face hurdles as they strive to practice healthy behavior. The radio drama is already a favourite on four radio stations: Chikuni Radio, Sky FM, Mazabuka Radio and Radio Mosi-O-Tunya, in the Southern Province. The show encourages listeners to talk more openly about issues surrounding HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination.

“Gama Cuulu, Amba Ncoobona” was developed, written, acted and produced by Zambians in the local language chiTonga specifically for Southern Province audiences, making it’s the accessibility and power of its message all the more profound. The MARCH project started operations in the Southern Province earlier this year. Similar projects are also being implemented in Botswana and Ghana.

The launch began with participants marching from the Livingstone main post office to the MARCH project office, and was celebrated with traditional songs, speeches and sketches drawn from parts of the main storyline in the drama.