We work in partnership with Sudanese media professionals and the World Service to broadcast life-saving information to 6.5 million people in Darfur, including two million people living in the region's 85 camps for people displaced by the conflict.
Start date: 2006
End date: 2009
Media type: radio
Issue: humanitarian
Country: Sudan
Information saves lives
The conflict in Darfur, which began in 2003, has killed more than 200,000 people. It has destroyed villages, crops, irrigation systems and livestock. Nearly two million people have been forced into camps, unable to return home because of the conflict.
The number of people being immunised on our National Immunisation Days has doubled since Darfur Lifeline went on air
UNICEF
Radio has become one of the only ways of communicating vital information to people in the war-torn region.
"The radio is the only way we get information. We listen to this so we know what is going on in our country and how people in other areas are being affected."
Youth, focus group, Darfur, Sudan
Salaam ila Darfur
'Salaam ila Darfur' ('Greetings/Peace to Darfur') is a daily, 30-minute radio programme about humanitarian issues. Salaam ila Darfur covers everything from malaria prevention to how to generate income while living in the camps.
"When I put on the radio people want to listen to Salam ila Darfur first. They listen to hear about the availability of health services and medicines in hospitals. If people can't listen to the radio, they come and ask me about what has been broadcast about security and peace."
Sheikh, South Darfur
We are happy with the programme, because it shows that someone is looking after our problems and trying to solve them, so we admire this programme very much.
Young man, focus group, Dafur Sudan
The programme broadcasts information about basic sanitation, health care, HIV and AIDS awareness, nutritional advice and emotional support, and provides a forum where listeners can tell their stories.
The programme uses music, drama, poetry and storytelling to reflect issues that are important to the audience. We work with existing drama and music groups in the area.
We thank BBC radio because this radio programme speaks about our problems and tells the rest of the world. Through this radio our voice reaches the world.
Young woman, focus group, Darfur, Sudan
Salaam ila Darfur also helps the International Committee of the Red Cross to re-unite families separated by the conflict.
Programmes for women, children and young people
We also broadcast a children's programme, 'Ursom ala el ard makaanak' ('Draw Your Place on Earth').
In late 2006 we began broadcasting a weekly programme designed specifically to address women's issues and concerns, and a second weekly programme aimed at youth audiences.
Listening groups
When you listen to this programme you feel that it is the only link between you and the outside world. It is telling everyone how you are suffering.
Young woman, focus group, Darfur Sudan
The reach of the radio broadcasts has been extended through the creation of listening groups, where people come together to listen and discuss the issues raised in the programmes.
Working in partnership
The programmes are produced in Darfuri Arabic, and are broadcast on BBC World Service shortwave frequencies.
Training
The programmes are produced in Khartoum and Darfur by Sudanese producers trained by the BBC World Service Trust.
Journalists from local Government-controlled radios stations in Nyala and El Fasher have also received formal training and on-the-job mentoring in humanitarian radio production techniques.
Research
Our research team, which consists of Darfuri staff trained by the BBC World Service Trust, carry out audience research for the programme.
In-depth interviews with NGOs and local leaders and focus groups with listeners have provided data about the role of humanitarian radio and the reach and impact of the programmes.
Awards
Our children's programme, 'Ursom ala el ard makaanak' ('Draw Your Place on Earth'), won the Youth category of the Radio for Peacebuilding Awards in 2006.
