The Communication Initiative
Development action with informed and engaged societies
The Communication Initiative
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Published 26 years ago
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Impact Data - HEA Folic Acid Campaign

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Date
Knowledge Shifts
Awareness of folic acid by mothers and newly pregnant women increased from 9% in 1995 to 27% in 1996 and further to 49% 1998 respectively. There was no significant difference in awareness by age of respondent. 66% of mothers and recently pregnant women spontaneously mentioned folic acid as something they should take more of. The percent of health professionals spontaneously identifying folic acid advice as something that should be given to women planning pregnancy increased from 55% in 1996 to 71% in 1997.
Practices
37% of women in 1998 who had planned their pregnancy reported taking folic acid in preparation for pregnancy.
Attitudes
In 1996, the proportion of health professionals believing folic acid to be a ‘very important' dietary supplement for pregnant women or those planning pregnancy increased from 64% in 1996 to 71% in 1997. In 1997, only 3% of respondents considered folic acid not to be important.
Access
Pregnant and recently pregnant women said they received advice before pregnancy from GPs (22%) and friends (8%). During pregnancy they received advice from midwives (51%), GPs (52%), hospital doctors (8%) and health visitors (5%).
Source
Health Education Authority website (no longer available). Please also see this article: How effective was the Health Education Authority's folic acid campaign?.