179082 Development of National Tuberculosis Communication Strategies in Central Asian Republics

Monday, October 27, 2008: 9:24 AM

Jamilya Ismoilova, MD , Project HOPE (Central Asian TB Control Partnership), Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Kayt Erdahl, MPH , Global Health, Project HOPE, Millwood, VA
Gulnora Rasulova, MD , Project HOPE-Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Saodat Kosymova, MD , Project HOPE- Tajikistan, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
     
BACKGROUND: Building on strong relationships with National Tuberculosis Control Programs (NTP) and Ministries of Health (MOH) in the Central Asian Republics, Project HOPE with the assistance of John Hopkins University/Center for Communication Programs developed National Communication Strategies (NCS) for tuberculosis to encourage greater coordination among key stakeholder agencies and build capacity of key policy and implementing actors.

OBJECTIVE: To use communication, advocacy and social mobilization to support and enhance existing components of the DOTS program for maximum impact on national tuberculosis control.

METHODOLOGY:

• Formation of multi-sectoral Thematic Working Groups on Information, Education, Communication/Behavior Change Communication (IEC/BCC) for tuberculosis (TB) in each country

•Implementation of a 3-day workshop to initiate design of NCS

•KAP study conducted among health providers and TB patients to prepare an analysis of the different target groups for TB communication

•Analysis of the current situation and program analysis of NTPs

•Evaluation of existing TB IEC materials to determine appropriateness of the messages in regards to target groups

RESULTS: NCS were developed to guide and coordinate integrated, comprehensive communication activities addressing prioritized audiences for TB prevention and control. The task force/TWGs continue to meet to coordinate and monitor activities, and share information at all levels. In each country, the NCS was endorsed by the MOH and acts as a living document, to be adapted in response to new research and circumstances.

CONCLUSION: A strategic approach to designing and implementing IEC/BCC activities, can contribute greatly to reaching the overall goals of National TB Programs.

Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will learn about the process used to develop National TB Communication strategies in five Central Asian Republics and the evaluation process of health education material. 2. Describe the process of developing National Communication Strategies, understand the role of thematic working groups to inform the development process and articulate the need of field testing and evaluating Information, Education, and Communication Materials. 3. Recognize and articulate the need for comprehensive and inclusive approach to develop a health communication strategy.

Keywords: Public Health Education and Health Promotion, Tuberculosis

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am technical Advisor to this program.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Health Communication/ Behavior Change Communication
See more of: International Health