AfriAfya (African Network for Health Knowledge Management and Communication)

AfriAfya, African Network for Health Knowledge Management and Communication, is exploring use of modern information and communication technologies for community health among rural poor. AfriAfya collects, sorts and disseminates information to local change agents trained to combine modern and traditional means of spreading information ‘beyond the computer’ to their communities for social transformation. AfriAfya sees communication as a two-way process. It has demonstrated methods of applying ICTs, operated by simply educated community members, to yield health and other benefits. Improved facility performance, discussions within communities of sensitive HIV/AIDS issues, increased requests for voluntary counselling and testing, and condom uptake indicate effect. The change agents have described their involvement in AfriAfya as having changed their lives, and made it easier for them to serve their communities. The system used by AfriAfya can be applied for other types of development information