{"id":3925,"date":"2011-04-04T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2011-04-04T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/psi2030.wpengine.com\/switched-on-transcending-communication-barriers\/"},"modified":"2018-05-22T22:26:16","modified_gmt":"2018-05-22T22:26:16","slug":"switched-on-transcending-communication-barriers","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.psi.org\/fr\/news\/switched-on-transcending-communication-barriers\/","title":{"rendered":"Switched On \u2013 Transcending Communication Barriers"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

O\u2019Neal Zibanani Madumo, 32, is a popular DJ and radio presenter; but to the avid listeners of Switched On<\/em>, aired every Tuesday on RB 2, he transcends cultural barriers by discussing sexual health issues many of which are still perceived as taboo in Botswana. Switched On<\/em> covers a variety of topics from abstinence, delayed sexual debut, penile cancer, male circumcision, communication between couples, sexually transmitted infections, and condom negotiation tactics among others.<\/p>\n

Discussions on issues concerning sex are extremely rare in Batswana society, which has compounded the severity of the HIV epidemic in the country. According to the National Campaign Plan on Multiple and Concurrent Partnership (MCP), conversations regarding sex, be it through the media, at kgotla meetings (communal town meeting), at church gatherings, in schools, amongst families or between couples, are severely lacking. <\/p>\n

In addition, the national campaign plan has identified lack of communication in relationships as one of the critical underlying causes of MCP. In 2008, PSI Botswana launched the Switched On <\/em>radio program to fill the gap in the discussion surrounding sexual health by allowing the audience to anonymously address topics which interest them with their favourite DJ. <\/p>\n

For O\u2019Neal hosting Switched On <\/em>means having the opportunity to present thought-provoking issues that challenge people to think about how their risky behaviours impact their lives. \u201cTo me Switched On<\/em> initiates behaviour change in that it alerts and forces people to reflect on issues. It is a great program that switched me from just focusing on entertainment because it also educates me about a lot of issues I did not know anything about,\u201d he adds<\/p>\n

According to O\u2019Neal, Switched On <\/em>transcends communication barriers as radio is a communication medium where people are free to express their views \u201cIt is a good platform as it is easier for people to air their views anonymously.\u201d He describes the show as one of the most informative and interactive programs in the country. For him, being part of show means learning about a different critical health area each week, \u201cFor instance I could not believe the knowledge I gained when discussing the penile cancer topic, it actually showed me that we do not know anything about health issues that affect us men as we rarely visit the doctor. <\/p>\n

PSI receives technical assistance from the Ministry of Health which includes providing topics of discussions and experts. In 2010, 73,766 people are estimated to have tuned in to listen to O\u2019Neal break cultural norms by addressing topics that affect everyone in Botswana. The show has invoked a lot of interest not only in Botswana but also in surrounding countries. <\/p>\n

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