Action IEHDC shortlisted for ZITF award

Action Institute for Environment, Health and Development Communication (IEHDC) was shortlisted for a gold medal award for non-profit making organisations during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), held in Bulawayo from 20 to 24 April 2010.

 Although Action IEHDC did not make it in the final round for the Gold Medal,  the organisation created its mark through exhibiting its products at the 51st  edition of ZITF whose theme for 2010 was “Unlocking Our Investment Potential”. About 750 companies and organisations participated at the ZITF 2010 which was opened by the Iranian President, Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was the guest of honour.

One of the main attractions on the Action IEHDC stand was its latest products produced under a regional HIV prevention campaign entitled OneLove. The popular products were the “You Haven’t Met Joe” booklet and “Love Stories in a time of HIV and AIDS television series”.  The “You Haven’t met Joe” is a  comic booklet which highlights sexual networks and how having more than one sexual partner at the same time puts one at risk of HIV and AIDS.  The Love Stories in a time of HIV and AIDS television series are short films from 10 Southern African countries  (including Zimbabwe) produced as part of the OneLove Campaign whose objective is to reduce the spread of HIV infections through a reduction in multiple and concurrent sexual partnerships (MCPs).
 After watching one short film from the Action IEHDC stand, some people invited their friends to come and watch the films together.  There were overwhelming requests for the films from people from all walks of life and these included individuals, corporate sector, HIV and AIDS organisations and the public sector such as the Zimbabwe National Army.

Most visitors who read the ‘You Haven’t Met Joe’ booklet while at the stand said it is an effective way of communicating HIV issues. One visitor said: “You Haven’t Met Joe” is an eye opener. I have read flyers before but this one got me thinking. Not only did I start to think, I also gave it to other people who also started thinking. Please print more and distribute to all ages……”