Development of National Tuberculosis Communication
Strategies in Central Asia
Jamilya Ismoilova, Kayt Erdahl, Gulnora Rasulova, Saodat KoymovaProject HOPE, Central Asia Regional TB Control Project
October 27, 2008
Presenter disclosures
(1) The following personal financial relationships with commercial interests relevant to this presentation existed during the past 12 months:
Kayt Erdahl
“No relationships to disclose”
Central Asia
Background
• Existing strong relationships with National Tuberculosis Programs in Central Asia
• Collaboration with Johns Hopkins University/Center for Communication Programs
• Need for greater coordination among key stakeholder agencies
• Limited capacity among key policy and implementing actors in communication strategy development
Objective
To use communication, advocacy and social mobilization to support and enhance existing components of the DOTS strategy
for maximum impact on national tuberculosis (TB) control
Country-specific process
P-PROCESS
Methods
1. KAP survey among health providers, TB patients and general population
2. Formation of IEC Thematic Working Group (TWG) for TB
3. Analysis of current situation and TB programs4. Workshop to initiate the design of National
Communication Strategy (NCS)5. Evaluation of existing IEC materials
Thematic Working Groups
• Formally established within National TB Programs• Multi-sector representation achieved• Data (current TB situation, communication program) analyzed by TWG
Findings & Recommendations
• Findings used to guide strategy development
• Recommendations developed for adapting/revising IEC materials
• TB NCS developed
Sample of Communication Behavior Framework
Problem Target Audience
Communication Objective
Messages/Key Points
Materials/Activities
Responsible Organization
Doctors and nurses lack needed counseling skills
TB and PHC Doctors and Nurses
Improve counseling skills of health providers
Better understandingof TB treatment and preventiondepends on information given by you, the health provider, during counseling
1. IPCC trainingfor all health workers2.Developmentof counseling flipchart
MOH,Internationaland localNGOs, Medicalcolleges
Results
• NCSs now guide and coordinate integrated, comprehensive communication activities addressing prioritized audiences for tuberculosis prevention and control
• The TWGs coordinate and monitor IEC/BCC activities
• The NCS will act as a living document, to be adapted in response to new research and circumstances
Recommendations
Elements for development of a successful NCS should include:
•KAP study•Formation of multi-sector TWG•Collaborative analysis of KAP data and current
TB situation•Assessment of IEC materials
Conclusions
• A strategic approach to designing and implementing IEC/BCC activities can contribute greatly to reaching the overall goals of the National TB Program
• Incorporating local stakeholders into the process leads to sustainability
Questions?Thank you
Contact information:
Jamilya Ismoilova, [email protected]
Kayt Erdahl, [email protected]