Mozambique “Vida Sem Medo” (Life Without Fear) 2012 1st Quarter Report
Background
This progress report documents activities of “Vida Sem Medo” (Life Without Fear) conducted to achieve the goals and objectives of this program, covering September 2012-December 2012.
“Vida Sem Medo” a product of VOA Portuguese Service continues to be produced mostly in Mozambique and is sent by electronic mail or a dedicated line to the Voice of America’ s headquarters (VOA) in Washington D.C. for final editing, if needed, in content and production. The main operation is based in Maputo, the Mozambican capital.
The project consists of two half-hours, broadcast on VOA frequencies on Saturday and Sunday, between 12-noon-12:30 pm local time. The two original programs are broadcast on shortwave (the traditional wavelength used by VOA) as well as through VOA affiliated FM radio stations in Maputo, Nampula, Beira and Quelimane as well as Radio Nacional de Mozambique youth channel Radio Cidade.
Vida Sem Medo (VSM) has been dealing with issues of family planning, reproductive health and tuberculosis as well as other issues as pertaining to the daily life of our audience.
The shows format was designed in order to allow for in-depth and informative stories. Due to budget constraints in November we aired the last Personality of the Month. The goal had been to allow each group or personality more than their regular share of the program – usually from 3 or 10 minutes interventions – to better explore the issues.
This much longer segment had been added based on requests by listeners and staff for additional time. One of the highlights was the direct participation of grass root community groups discussing their challenges, achievements and hopes. Sharing this information created a communication- bridge that allowed the audience to learn more about each one of the participating groups and their work. The segment was broadcasted once a month (every third Sunday of the month).
Program Distribution
Radio Cidade – “Vida Sem Medo” is available on Radio Cidade frequencies in Maputo and Beira. The broadcast on Radio Cidade has contributed to reach a different audience or to allow the audience to listen to the shows at different times. Radio Cidade’s director, Rogerio Guambe, praised the show saying that is informative as well as educational.
FM – The show is broadcast by VOA affiliates in Maputo, Nampula, Beira and Quelimane
Shortwave – The show is also broadcast on traditional shortwave (3 frequencies) and on VOA affiliates in the main cities of Maputo, Nampula, Beira and Quelimane.
Program Format
- Saturdays, the show features the latest health news (including reports from provincial stringers), and informational radio dramas. Dr. Nidia Remane’s discuss current health issues through a very dynamic Q&A with listeners, and the program also includes a segment with street interviews.
- On Sundays, VSM hosts the “Community Talk discussions about health issues; the youth group Coalizao which addresses concerns of the youth and their need for information. It also airs informational radio dramas, rubric Positive Lives on living with diseases such as AIDS, decisions, and in-depth reports examining a wide range of health, social and economic issues related with family planning, reproductive health, and TB.
Program Talent
The “call-in” medical segment is under the responsibility of Dr. Nídia Remane, a well known medical doctor, former Maputo’s Health Director and currently in charge of the vertical transmissions programs at the Health Ministry. In a two-way format, with one of the pivots, Dra. Nídia answers questions from the audience on wide range of topics sent to her by SMS and email using colloquial language and an engaging format.
Our EMCEEs are a radio announcer in a youth-oriented radio, Fatima Vidal, and Abdil Juma, a theater man, and director of the cultural-community group “Nkanringana Arte”.
Our street reporter is the young singer Yara da Silva, which has been involved in several African musical projects.
The once a month debate is moderated by Amâncio Miguel, who also functions as a super-stringer. Amâncio Miguel is a well-versed journalist on health and developmental issues.
The radio drama is done by the Cultural Group Khanyisso, directed by its talented art and theater director Orlando Govo, who is also a psychologist. The group has been producing plays/dramas for some years now. It also tours the country with its plays.
The cultural group, Nkaringana Arte provides us with a direct link to different social groups from professionals to students to the homemaker taking care of their family discussing health issues of interest to all of them. The group works closely with communities.
Our program coordinator is Teresa Xavier. Under the supervision of Ana Guedes, the Portuguese to Africa Service chief, in Washington D.C., with whom rests the editorial responsibility. Teresa Xavier assigns and coordinates the work to and from all participants in the field. She guarantees that everybody does his/her part, and in conjunction with local producers, she oversees all recordings and does any needed editing. The topics have been previously discussed and coordinated with Washington.
Teresa also plays the role of a super-stringer and reporter. She covers a full range of health and social stories and is in charge of the weekly highlights for the program, she is also in charge of a segment entitled living a positive life, interviewing people leading a positive life even though they might be affected by diseases such as TB, or AIDS.
Issues/Subjects/Themes Covered
Khanyisso /Radio Drama – Tuberculosis – treatment, does it work? New therapies? New drugs? One personal role in promoting public health; The role of mothers in family planning; Health: believes and perceptions; Today’s youth and a newer generation of youngsters;
Dra. Nidia – Maternal health, maternal morbidity and mortality health and the teenager “your smile is your business card”, vertical transmission – infection, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, the newborn Healthy hair Diseases and stigma, discrimination. Excesses during the holidays New Year, new health habits.
- Dr. Nídia Remane, a well known medical doctor, former Maputo’s Health Director and currently in charge of the vertical transmissions programs at the Health Ministry. Dr. Nídia answers questions from the audience on wide range of topics.
Coalizao – the youth school group, addressed health in the schools, the role of the teacher and of the student. The group also discussed the role of youth in maintaining
Nkaringana Arte/Community – Women issues such as domestic violence and health; The role of women in Mozambican society; Abuse of elders and children – impact on their health; TB and HIV – Relation, Opportunistic Diseases
Why HIV infection rates are still so high with so many messages about AIDS
The reporter-at-large/Amancio Miguel brought to the show the role of theater and music in promoting health, discussed fistulas, the leadership role of adult women in health prevention and also the role of a newer generation of women in health issues.
In a “Positive Life’ our coordinator and reporter interviewed Suzana Mahumane on advantages of family planning, Aristides Patricio and Alberto Mazanga and the importance of male involvement in family planning. She also spoke with Francisco Cocote, coordinator of the Santo Egidio Community for Social Assistance program “Dream.”
Youth reporter/Yara Silva talked with musicians Kris Sweet Boy and Dilon about family planning, as well as with student leader Cardoso Junior and Dyog Boy also about the same issue (from a male perspective).
Provincial Correspondents – Local authorities and health, community leaders and impact upon HIV-fight, promoting a healthy family diet, malaria and TB,
Testimonials/Impact
“Hello dear friends. I love sweets but i know they are not good for my health, my teeth. I did listen to your show about teeth health. What do you suggest I do since I like sweets? (Zelfa da Mafalala”)
“There are very few of us that want to be teachers. I do believe the government should valorize more teaching. Teachers all deserve it. (Deny Magoanine”)
“I love your show and all the information you provide.” (Telma 3º de Fevereiro)
“Life is better when we are together, says MCEL, for me life is better in the company of Life Without Fear (Anifa, Maputo)
“Dear friends I want to participate in your show. How do I do it?” (Dina)
“ Good-afternoon. This is show is truly important for us the teenagers.” (no name left)
“ Hello my darlings from Life Without Fear. Where you all did learned so much? I also want to learn. (Gilda Alto – Mae)
“Good-afternoon. My girls love your show very much. Did you ever considered doing it on TV? (Sra. Gina Bagamoyo)
“Congratulations. You are 100% good. We need more shows like yours, mainly on TV. (no name left)
“Interesting the way you plan your show. You have adults with information that are in the same wavelength as the teenagers, who also have their own information. Good macth between adults and teenagers. I hope your show will continue and as rich in information as this one.
“ Brothers, I always listen to you…”
“You tell us things that are very interesting. I have learned a lot from you. (Vânia)