The Suzie and Shafa Show is a partnership between young people and various community organisations which uses communication - through radio - in an effort to create entertaining, provocative, and insightful programmes that reach youth. The format consists of two young hosts, Suzie and Shafa; an ongoing mystery drama; music; quiz questions; testimonials; and a section called "What's Going Down", which highlights an event, restaurant, movie, club, or other activity in which youth can get involved.

Youth participation is a core component of the show; the scriptwriters are students from the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the College of the Arts. The programme addresses the key factors Namibian youth are confronted with today, such as perceptions of risk toward HIV infection and HIV testing. For example, while two-thirds of the youth surveyed said they wanted to be tested for HIV, only about a quarter had ever actually been tested. The Suzie and Shafa Show addresses practical issues such as where to go for HIV testing as well as lifestyle issues related to alcohol and drug use, relationship problems, and sexual habits.

HIV/AIDS, Youth.

The Suzie and Shafa show resulted from research conducted by the UNAM and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on youth and HIV/AIDS. Four pilot episodes were aired in November 2002, and focus group discussions (FGDs) were held based on these 4 episodes. A knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) study and household survey were also conducted. The content and format of the Suzie and Shafa Show were modified slightly based on the results of this research.

The survey of 15-25 year olds in Greater Windhoek found that 60% believed it was possible that they would be infected with HIV during the next 12 months. Though youth felt fairly confident that they could refuse sex without condoms, the majority also believed that they still could get HIV if they were monogamous (51%) and about one-third of the respondents believed they could still get HIV even if they were abstinent. The majority of Namibian youth believe that they will ultimately get the virus that causes AIDS. This is despite high levels of knowledge and awareness about HIV and AIDS and other health issues.