The Ministry of Health has been leading a successful campaign in disseminating life-saving health messages to the public of Vanuatu, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Vanuatu Red Cross, community leaders, and other health partners.
Since Cyclone Pam, the risk of outbreaks of disease has been a serious concern, with many people living in crowded conditions, and with limited access to safe water and food, and adequate hygiene.
“With the risk of disease outbreaks still high, communication is an extremely important tool in public health promotion,” says Mr. Viran Tovu, Chair of the Cyclone Pam Health Cluster’s response, at the Ministry of Health. “In this case, information can save lives.”
Simple health messages most effective
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with WHO, developed a series of health messages to communicate simple ways to prevent the transmission of disease, such as frequent hand-washing, drinking safe water and sleeping under bed nets.
These messages were shared a number of different ways to reach as many people as possible, including through the news media and a weekly talkback radio show; a text message campaign; and through community leaders.
The text message campaign reached almost 90,000 people in April and May, delivering advice to protect against diarrheal disease, mosquito-borne illnesses, such as malaria and dengue, measles vaccination and nutrition.
Talkback show spreads the reach of messages
A weekly talkback show continues to offer a forum to share health advice in Bislama, the local language. People call in to the show and ask questions about their own experiences, and receive answers from public health experts.
“The talkback show has been a very good thing so far,” said Ms. Myriam Abel, a local Technical Adviser at the WHO. “It’s consistent and is reinforcing these important messages all the time, and it provides an opportunity to answer any questions people might have.”
Next week, the radio segment will focus on health promotion and how it can be applied in education, especially in schools. WHO gave $1.2 million Vatu to seven primary schools and Shefa Education
Community engagement remains crucial
Representatives from the Vatu Mauri Consortium (representing the National Council of Chiefs, churches, women and youth leaders) recently returned from a mission to Tanna, Epi and Tonga islands, where it disseminated the health messages. In Tanna, the group met with village chiefs and community leaders in all seven area councils to discuss the importance of maintaining good health, particularly post-cyclone.
Health partners continue to devise ways to reach people living in rural areas of Vanuatu, who make up about 70 per cent of the population.
Information materials with practical advice about food and water safety, mosquito-borne disease prevention and nutrition continue to be distributed to health facilities, community leaders and partner organizations in Shefa, Tafea, Malampa, Penama and Sanma provinces.
Additional materials regarding public health promotion are also being developed by Vanuatu Red Cross and UNICEF.