Community members in Bor are taking to the airwaves to shape health information that reflects their priorities, experiences and realities. Supported by Global Affairs Canada, the CAM-led TRUST project works in partnership with Association of Malawian Midwives (AMAMI) and the South Sudan Nurses & Midwives Association SSNAMA to amplify local voices, strengthen midwifery leadership and help communities make informed health decisions.
A three-day workshop in Bor, Jonglei State, brought together 35 community members, health professionals, civil society representatives, midwives and radio producers. Organized by the Association for Media Development in South Sudan, the workshop placed local radio listeners at the centre of programme design. Participants identified priority health concerns, proposed culturally appropriate messaging and contributed ideas for programmes to be broadcast on Radio Jonglei and Voice of Reconciliation.
The initiative reflects a central goal of TRUST: strengthening health systems by building trust between communities, health professionals and the media. Locally developed radio programmes can help challenge misinformation and harmful social norms while increasing understanding of maternal healthcare, family planning, adolescent health, nutrition and gender-based violence. Radio is particularly important in rural areas, where access to digital information, skilled health workers and health facilities remains limited.
Participants also explored audience engagement, responsible health communication, gender-sensitive reporting and ways to translate medical information into accessible, evidence-based content. By amplifying community voices and highlighting the leadership of midwives, the initiative aims to encourage timely use of health services and support healthier, better-informed communities. A similar workshop is planned for Torit, Eastern Equatoria State.
Click here to read the article
