With support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom, and in partnership with Marie Stopes, UNFPA in Zambia has invested in the use of animated "video cards" to enhance information sharing and increase demand for family planning in underserved rural communities of Central Province. The animated video cards were designed as an interactive, user-friendly tool for use by health workers, outreach teams and community-based distributors to facilitate stimulating conversations about family planning at the community and inter-personal level. The cards are lightweight, portable units which use rechargeable batteries, hence convenient for use in remote rural areas with limited access to power sources.
Jacqueline Kalunga, a community based distributer in Serenje District of Central Province, shares how the use of the animated video cards expanded her capacities to deliver family planning information and services in her village.
“The video card has boosted my confidence and motivation to reach out to more people in my village. I am able to provide quality, accurate and consistent information on sexual reproductive health and family planning, resulting in increased demand for services. Before I begun using the video cards in my village, I would reach an average of 5 clients every week. Today, this number has increased to more than 15 clients every week, owing to increased interest and engaging conversations generated through the video cards. To ensure no one is left behind, the video cards also feature sign-language sub-titles for persons with disability”, says Jacqueline.
As part of UNFPA's support to the Government of Zambia, the country office continues to invest in innovative strategies to reach the furthest behind first, towards ending unmet need for family planning in Zambia. In 2021, a total of 80,000 additional users of modern contraceptives were reached with support from UNFPA and other donors and partners.
