MODULE TWO: COUNSELLING - FHI 360 Center for Global Health ...

HOTLINES IN THE CONTEXT OF HIV/AIDS PREVENTION
The YEF HIV/AIDS Hotline does not operate in a vacuum. It is only one type of
HIV/AIDS prevention intervention. Interventions aim to convey messages
through communication channels. Following are the four main
communication channels that are used to convey health messages:
• Mass media (radio, television, movies, newspaper, magazines,
billboards)
• Print materials/audio-visual (brochures, posters, booklets, videos,
flip charts, etc.)
• Interpersonal communication (face-to-face counselling, hotlines,
peer education, group discussions, etc.)
• Traditional media (drama, puppet shows, dance, etc.)
A hotline is a type of interpersonal communication channel. Interpersonal
communication is not enough by itself, however. It works together with all of
these other types of HIV/AIDS prevention activities. A mixture of different
prevention activities is necessary in order to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Each communication channel has advantages and disadvantages. 1 Following are
just a few. Encourage the participants to add their own ideas.
Type of channel Advantages Limitations
Mass media Reaches many people
Messages conveyed
frequently
Creates demand for services
Reinforces messages
delivered through other
channels
Print
materials/audiovisual
Interpersonal
communication
Is handy and reusable
Can explain complex
information
Can be taken home and
looked at later
Audience can ask questions
and give feedback
Motivates individuals to
change their behaviour
Good for discussing sensitive
or personal issues
Limited impact in rural areas
Expensive
Hard to obtain feedback from
audience
Can be expensive
Audience must be literate if
words are used
Training is necessary for
proper use
Reaches only a small audience
Requires a lot of training
Very time-consuming
1 Source : The Academy for Educational Development. 1995. A Tool Box for Building Communication
Capacity.
Session 1 – Pg. 4