Background: In Kenya many young people lack comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge – including a lack of HIV prevention information resulting in low condom use and low attendance at HIV testing and treatment centres. In April 2015, in response to this lack of information, Family Health Options Kenya (FHOK) launched their Standout 22285 SMS information service to increase sexual and reproductive health information and knowledge among young people in Kenya.
What did the programme involve? The Standout22285 SMS information service targets the under 25s and is a free, confidential and interactive 24/7 counselling service providing information on sexual and reproductive health, youth-friendly FHOK clinics, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS services.
Young people send a text message with the word SRH to 22285 and then follow the instructions and the code number they are given to key in, in order to access the exact information they are looking for which is sent back to them as a message. The HIV/AIDS SMS code for example tailors the message to include available services and referrals to the nearest family health youth clinics for services such as HIV/AIDs testing and counselling, voluntary medicalized male circumcision and anti-retroviral treatment. The incoming SMS traffic is analyzed periodically to track and report on key knowledge gaps and emerging issues related to HIV and STIs among young people.
Messages received are monitored and analysed through the smart care dashboard that automatically synthesizes data in real time and generates scores and ratings on the information young people accesses the most. Aside from analyzing data the dashboard gives key performance indicators and provides gender disaggregated data for a given duration. It also records which referral facilities have been recommended and when.
FHOK has partnered with International Planned Parenthood (IPPF) through its affiliate Youth Action Movement (YAM) to spear head this initiative. YAM has been supporting the agenda of young people on their social media sites.
Why this approach? Mobile phone usage is high in Kenya, and SMS based messaging systems often work better for young people because they are confidential and private. Young people can get free information about HIV and AIDS through their mobile phones in the comfort of their favourite hangout.
Results observed: An analysis of the SMS system conducted from January to June 2015 showed that the largest number of queries related to HIV/AIDS (25%) with questions about family planning methods second (20%). In addition it was found there had been an increase in young people accessing Voluntary, Counselling and Testing (VCT) services at the FHOK clinics referred to in the messages, as well as a higher uptake of condoms at these clinics.
Lessons learnt: It’s vital that services like this include a data capturing system, such as the smart care dashboard, as this helps service providers know how to tailor and package information to suit young people’s needs. It’s also vital that young people do not receive information alone but that, where appropriate, this is received as a part of a wider package that includes clinic and services referrals.