Development of National Tuberculosis Communication Strategies in Central Asia Jamilya Ismoilova, Kayt Erdahl, Gulnora Rasulova, Saodat Koymova Project 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 programs 4.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 ProblemTarget 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 understanding of TB treatment and prevention depends on information given by you, the health provider, during counseling 1. IPCC training for all health workers 2.Development of counseling flipchart MOH, International and local NGOs, Medical colleges

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, Kayt Erdahl,