Male participation in promoting sexual and reproductive health agenda in Africa: Reflections on social change and democracy

This paper examines male participation programs designed to improve sexual and reproductive health in Africa. It uses male participation as a model for larger development, democracy and good governance outcomes in African countries. The paper begins by exploring the conceptual and programmatic underpinnings for men engagement, male involvement, male mobilization or male partnership in development. It presents results from a case study on the Male Championship’s initiative implemented to mobilize men in support of the Prevention of Mother-to- Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) in Malawi. The paper demonstrates that male participation programs integrate a robust approach to social mobilization, coalition building, community advocacy, midstream consultations, peer-to peer motivation, collective visioning and client communication, which result in changes at the individual, facility and social levels. The paper suggests the design and execution of male participation grounded in human rights based approach to program for wider development agenda and good governance initiatives in Africa.`Keywords: social mobilization, male engagement, social change, reproductive health, gender equality, social innovatio

Use and misuse of data in advocacy, media and opinion polls in Africa: Realities, challenges and opportunities

This article offers a reflective perspective of the uses and misuses of data and statistics in public communication and development as a construct of democracy. It begins by situating data use in light of the “big data” revolution characterised by devolution and globalisation of information. Drawing on illustrations from advocacy, journalism and political corruption, the article demonstrates that despite the positive uses of data by activists and journalists, the dissemination of incorrect data has grave consequences for public opinion formation and digital social engagement. From the analysis, the article argues that generators, users and recipients of data need a mind-set for data accuracy and fact-checking, especially in a digital age which is a mine-field for mass misinformation. It calls for more training in data journalism, alignment of data in the public sector and increased responsibility for data generating institutions and fact checking organisations. Finally, we advocate for stricter regulation of election opinion polls to avoid misinformation and manipulation of the electorate, which has serious consequences fordemocracy in Africa.Keywords: data revolution, data journalism, data for development, public communication, misinformation, public opinion

Physical activity and long-term survival in older men and women: A 21 year longitudinal study

The NLSAA survey was conducted in 1985 with 1,042 participants. As of 31st May 2006 (21 years from baseline), there were 919 recorded deaths (368 men and 551 women). Mortality analyses were from baseline interview to death or censorship (May 2006). Men and women were analysed separately in unadjusted models and adjusting for demographic and health-related variables. In separate unadjusted models, participation in outdoor activities, indoor productive activities, leisure activities, walking, undertaking activities requiring flexibility, and physical effort each were associated with reduced long-term mortality among both men and women. In adjusted models, participation in physical activities had no significant association with mortality risk for men. Among women, participation in outdoor activities and leisure activities remained significantly associated with long-term survival in adjusted models. Among men, the benefits of physical activities for mortality risk were explained through demographic, health, and psychosocial variables. However, participation in outdoor and leisure physical activities was beneficial for women and had a significant association with survival, even when controlling for demographic, health and psychosocial variables. Therefore, encouraging participation in specific physical activities, such as gardening, swimming, and dancing among older women may improve long-term survival