Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Health Communication Makes an Impact

In Uganda, the Stand Proud, Get Circumcised multi-channel campaign, which included community mobilization, reported a significant increase in men taking action as a result of exposure. Approximately 89% of men exposed to the campaign reported taking at least one action, with 12% of these individuals getting circumcised. A population-based survey in Zimbabwe found that 68% of women and 53% of men had heard about VMMC, primarily through radio. The campaign's effectiveness was further demonstrated by a significant increase in the number of VMMC clients during school campaigns. Between 2010 and 2013, the number of VMMC clients per month during school campaigns more than tripled compared to the same period outside campaign months. In Tanzania, school-based campaigns resulted in adolescents making up 80% of all VMMC clients in two regions. Similarly, in Zimbabwe, where community activities and mass media campaigns took place, adolescents accounted for 48% of all VMMC clients. These findings suggest that community-based VMMC campaigns combined with mass media can change attitudes related to VMMC and increase the number of adolescents getting circumcised. The Stand Proud, Get Circumcised campaign in Uganda demonstrated a strong impact on men's behavior, with 89% of men exposed to the campaign taking at least one action. The campaign's success can be attributed to its multi-channel approach, which included community mobilization and mass media. The campaign's effectiveness was further demonstrated by a significant increase in the number of VMMC clients during school campaigns in Zimbabwe and Tanzania. The data suggests that VMMC campaigns can be effective in changing attitudes and increasing the number of adolescents getting circumcised. The campaigns' success can be attributed to a combination of community-based activities and mass media. The findings of these studies have important implications for the implementation of VMMC programs, particularly in regions with high HIV prevalence.