HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB and high rates of infant mortality are critical health issues facing sub-Saharan Africa. Debilitating diseases, many preventable, erode productivity and well being. In 2006, nearly 25 million Africans were living with HIV and AIDS. By 2010 Africa will be home to an estimated 50 million orphans – more than one-third of these children will be orphaned by AIDS.

Reliable, credible information and education are paramount in reducing disease and promoting improved health and hygiene.

Millions of people still do not know how HIV/AIDS is transmitted, and how to protect themselves against the virus. In many places the illness still carries shame, stigma, repression and discrimination. Many HIV-affected people are rejected by their families and their communities. Malaria kills an African child every 30 seconds. Still, many African parents do not know that simple techniques or mosquito nets can dramatically reduce the risk of malaria.

Trachoma is the world’s leading cause of preventable blindness, but many are unaware that face washing and other basic steps are successful in preventing the disease.

Radio is an effective way to disburse vital, life-saving information. By listening to the radio, adults and children can learn how to prevent and treat disease, and how to promote nutrition and well-being.

Hundreds of organisations in Africa broadcast radio programs that contain information on disease prevention, life skills, hygiene and family health. Serialised radio dramas follow beloved fictional characters as they manage health problems such as AIDS. The challenge to the local radio community is delivering the information to people in the most remote locations. Using Lifeline radios, we can ensure the information is being delivered ‘the last mile’, where no electricity infrastructure exists.