The Importance of the Foula - Niger

Using a Condom is Like 'Eating a Banana with the Skin'

More than 650 Lifeline radios have been distributed to women's listening groups and community health centres to provide dependable access to Animas Sutura's interactive programming. Animas Sutura, a local social marketing organisation, launched 'Les Aventures de Foula' (The Adventures of the Foula, a name for a condom they distribute), a radio communications campaign in 2007.

There is widespread polygamy in Niger. According to the women we spoke with, "most men do not use a condom, as it is like eating a banana with the skin". Women are now starting to break down cultural barriers and initiate healthy dialogues about important sexual and reproductive health issues with the men in their community.

The national literacy rate for women is less than 15%. This is one of the key challenges in spreading sexual and reproductive health information. 'Les Aventures de Foula' the campaign increases access to HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, family planning and other vital health information.

Consisting of a series of five-minute programmes on vital health issues, with themes, stories and characters from the lives of the local population, Les Aventures de Foula is broadcast on national, private and community radio stations in French, Hausa and Zarma numerous times a day.

This helps women identify and discuss previously 'unmentionable' topics. They have learnt how to protect themselves and how to counsel their daughters against HIV/AIDS.

At least 64% of the Nigerien population lives on less than $1 a day. Three decades of economic and financial crisis has led to serious deterioration in living conditions. Almost half the population of 13 million, in a country that is 80% rural, is under the age of 15.