From the time Itezhi Tezhi Community Radio Station started we have seen our health programmes being received well by the community. In fact, and thus far, our coverage in terms of service delivery has improved. We have seen more people accessing the health facility, compared to the time before the (Itezhi Tezhi FM Community) radio station came on the scene.

 By Fines Munsaka

Now when we talk on the programmes we are aware that the people will receive the information the way it is, unlike previously when we wrote messages on a piece of paper. For instance, in Mbila we have recorded positive impact and achieved more than 100% coverage with child health programmes. The rate used to be very low before we had a radio station. The scenario is the same for Munga, which is the remotest place in the district.

Because of the radio station, more people are aware of what we are doing. I am into child health, and when we talk of awareness in the community, the best way we can reach the community is through the media. For instance, the people have now realised the importance of bringing their children for under-five clinic.

Previously, we had few children being brought in during “Child Health Week” but the situation has today extremely improved. Malnutrition in Itezhi Tezhi has decreased because we have been able to use radio to disseminate useful messages to the parents. Previously, people never knew how to take care of their children well.

At a personal level, I never knew the amount of information my workmates had until I listened to them on radio.

There are so many messages I have heard, not only from health but other departments. I have learnt a lot and I am sure many people will be knowledgeable in Itezhi Tezhi. As you know, knowledge is power, and ignorance is no defence. I have bought a phone with a radio so that I can easily listen to ITT FM.

People, even our stake holders, should now understand that the radio station is very vital in whatever we are doing as a community because that is the source of information, and that is where people should disseminate the information.

The coming of the radio station has really made life easy in Itezhi Tezhi. We now know where to get what we want through radio. My appeal is that the community should support the radio station and its staff.” 

Mr. Fines Munsaka is a nutritionist at the Itezhi Tezhi District Health Office. He is a regular listener of ITT FM radio, and has also featured on nutritional topics. To contact Itezhi Tezhi Community Radio Station, please email the Station Manager on jozerenda@yahoo.com  and copy nervious@panos.org.zm