Awards
The African Network for Strategic Communication in Health and Development (AfriComNet) recognized the best HIV communication Initiatives for 2011 at an award ceremony held at the Harmony Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 6th December 2011.
The Awards assess various HIV communication Initiatives in seven categories for innovation, relevance to context, use of strategic communication processes, replicability and impact (based on evaluation data) of the intervention.
At the same occasion, Dr. Negussie Teffara (pictured right with AfriComNet board chairman Peter Mwarogo) was awarded the Chairman’s Award for his outstanding contribution towards improving HIV and family planning/reproductive health programming in Ethiopia through strategic communication.
Dr. Negussie was the Chairman of the Taskforce for developing the first Ethiopian National Population IEC/Advocacy Strategy - a road map used by media practitioners and implementing agencies for effectively addressing population issues including HIV and AIDS
He contributed to the development of the Communication Framework for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS in Ethiopia and has trained more than 1000 Journalists, media practitioners and civil society members on aspects of communication, advocacy and leadership skills for addressing HIV and AIDS, Violence against Women, Female Genital Mutilation and other Reproductive issues.
Dr Negussie is the Country representative for the Population Media Council in Ethiopia. 
Update: Award Photographs now available
The 2011 Award winners were:1. Best Mass media Initiative
First Things First, by Foundation for Professional
Development and Innovative Medicines, South Africa
2. Best community/interpersonal initiative
Dream2Beprogram, Salesian Life Choices; South Africa
3. Best Multichannel communication initiative
Scrutinize; by Johns Hopkins Health Education South Africa
4. Best Social Marketing Initiative
“Silkee” Project; Female Condom promotion campaign, Population Services International, Lesotho
5. Best HIV and AIDS related series
Bayelsan Silhouettes, by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria
6. Best New/Social Media Initiative
Red and RedChatZone, by CellLife, South Africa
