This handbook, developed by FHI's AIDSCAP's [1] Behavior Change Communication (BCC) unit, is part of a collection of eight handbooks that discuss concepts in behaviour change communication (BCC) in relation to HIV/AIDS/STI issues.

"How to Create an Effective Communication Project" is designed to guide readers through the development of behaviour change communication (BCC) projects using a strategy developed by the AIDS Control and Prevention (AIDSCAP) Project of Family Health International. The strategy is illustrated by eight levels in a Communication Pyramid designed to help readers identify the information needed, the questions to ask and the actions to take.

Communication Pyramid (starting from bottom of the pyramid)

• Risk Factors: What are the factors that put people at risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS infection?
• Target Audience: What are the characteristics of the people who are most at risk?
• Desired Behaviour and Attitude Change: What attitudes and behaviour changes are desirable?
• Initial Planning: What are the behaviour change objectives and how can they be achieved?
• Messages: How can effective messages be developed?
• Communication Channels and Media: How will these messages be delivered?
• Pretesting: How can you ensure that messages and media will have the required effect?
• Interventions: How can you develop an effective communication strategy?

Click here [2] to for access to this handbook online.

Click here [3] for a list of the eight handbooks in this BCC series.