'Spark' is a discussion series initiative organised by Healthlink Worldwide to facilitate the sharing of good practice, innovations and cutting edge thinking in health communication among health and development NGOs, policymakers and practitioners.
The discussions take place in the UK, generally every quarter, with international health and development NGOs, policymakers, individuals and networks taking part. Many of the discussions will have reference documents available as a key list on Source.
For more information email: info@healthlink.org.uk
Using DVD-led discussion for health worker awareness of stigma and HIV/AIDS
Katrina Phillips, a consultant in media and communication development and research, spoke on her work to develop a communication campaign to address TB and HIV for the Ministry of Health in Kenya and Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The role of the media and social change in addressing Homophobia and the decriminalisation of sex work in Jamaica
Dr Robert Carr of the University of the West Indies spoke about his advocacy work with the media in Jamaica around the rights of sex workers and of men who have sex with men, with the aim of raising public awareness and addressing hostile public attitudes.
Digital story telling
Digital stories are a powerful means to convey the experiences of people living with HIV, carers, and those affected by a range of development issues. In June 1008, Pip Hardy a learning materials specialist from Pilgrim Projects spoke about Patient Voices, a collection of digital stories that have opened the eyes of health workers and primary care trusts in the UK; and Clodagh Miskelly, a freelance digital story facilitator with over ten years of experience in using video and new media on development and social issues.
People's Rural Health Watch on India's National Rural Health Mission
On Tuesday 20th May 2008, Healthlink Worldwide co-hosted an informal lunchtime
discussion with Panos London on the People’s Rural Health Watch (PRHW)
in India. It was our great pleasure to have Dr Vijay Aruldas, CEO of the
Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI), a fellowship of health professionals
and health institutions working to assist India’s poorest and most
deprived sections of society, attend as speaker.
Someone to talk to: orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV and AIDS
The discussion focused on orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV
and AIDS and the role of communication in tackling stigma and discrimination.
Speakers included Kate Harrison, Senior Technical Adviser for Children,
at the International HIV/AIDS Alliance; Annet Biryetega, National Community
of Women Living with HIV/AIDS, Uganda; MacBain Mkandawire, Youth Net &
Counselling, Malawi and Dr Ruth Evans from the University of Reading. The
discussion focused on how memory
work can help families affected by the HIV epidemic and Dr Evans paper
'Hidden Young Carers' on young carers and HIV in the UK and Tanzania.
Discussion on HIV and social movement communication
Alessandra Nilo from Gestos, a Brazilian gender and human rights NGO, shared
lessons around communication and working with local and national media.
Read the discussion summary...
Addressing HIV and AIDS stigma and discrimination
The first discussion addressed HIV and AIDS stigma and discrimination. Presentations
were given by Tony Savdié from Proyecto Payaso in Guatemala on the
process of addressing stigma using street theatre and clowning and Dieneke
ter Huurne from the UK Department for International Development on a recent
review of initiatives addressing HIV and AIDS stigma and discrimination
around the world.