Communication and Polio Eradication Programme: Ministry of Public Health of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

This PowerPoint presentation was part of a June 2005 joint United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)/World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting dedicated to examining communication in the context of the final global push to eradicate polio. At this meeting, country-specific presentations were made by communication practitioners in 16 of the 21 countries which have experienced cases of wild poliovirus in 2004 and/or in 2005 (to June). The total number of global poliovirus cases increased from 784 cases in 2003 to 1,255 cases in 2004, with 1,004 cases reported to August 9 2005 (548 for the same period in 2005). Communication strategies presented at this meeting were primarily focused on:

1. Analysing the results of programmes implemented to June 2005, and
2. Detailing the planned communication programme for the next 6 to 12 month period, designed to support a reversal of the above trend and achievement of the goal of eradicating polio worldwide.

According to this presentation, Afghanistan (one of 6 polio endemic countries), experienced a decrease in the number of poliovirus cases from 8 (in 2003) to 4 (in 2004). As of June 2005, 3 cases of poliovirus had been reported.

The communication environment is described as one in which there are both high levels of illiteracy and limited access to electronic and print media. However, 67% of the population does have access to radio, and 65.9% of women listen to radio. Post National Immunisation Day (NID) monitoring results indicate that social mobilisation channels are distributed as follows: Radio/Television 31%, Mullah 25%, Social Mobilisers 34% and Other 10%.

Communication objectives for 2005 include:

• to reduce the "missed children" to less than 5%, especially in the South; to intensify social mobilisation and programme communication in under-served communities;
• to address families' concerns and lack of information; and
• to build and maintain multi-sectoral partnerships for advocacy and fundraising.

A summary of the follow-up to the Peer Review Panel recommendations from the 2004 meeting held in New Delhi, India is provided (see also 2004 Peer Review Group Comments [PDF]), including an assessment of the effectiveness of different types of media utilised (which indicated increasing coverage of radio and TV). Knowledge, Attitude and Performance (KAP) studies also provided evidence that the potential exists for further developing the role of religious leaders and women in households for mobilisation (UNICEF, 2004).



Key remaining challenges include the need for improved information, education and communication (IEC) for the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI); improved communication skills among caregivers; and better education for families regarding issues such as correct information on immunisation, benefits of immunisation, timing, number of doses and adverse events following immunisation (AEFI).

Advocacy and partnership activities currently underway include training of religious leaders nationwide on immunisation, establishing strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), sectoral ministries and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and increasing links with civil society organisations including women’s groups and parent-teacher associations.

Social mobilisation and programme communication activities include: announcements in urban/semi urban/ rural areas by social mobilisers; increased number of female volunteers to reach families; radio spots aired during NIDs via national radio and mobile theatre performances in schools and communities.

By the end of 2005 priorities include the development of a clear set of indicators for improved monitoring of communication activities; increased participation of communities leading to a transfer of responsibility for communication and service delivery in "no-go" areas; as well as development of an interim strategy addressing at-risk populations in the South and nomadic groups.

By the end of 2006: Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) communication strategy guidelines are to be developed, an action plan is to be finalised and endorsed; communication materials are to be developed with a focus on missed children and high risk areas, as well as other related goals.

Implementation of these activities is affected by the unpredictable security/political situation which limits access to certain populations. Examples of specific factors include the poppy eradication programme, forthcoming parliamentary elections and concerns about staff security in high-risk areas.

Sub National Immunisation Days (SNIDs) were planned for July 2005, with two rounds of National Immunisation Days (NIDs) planned in September and November 2005, (with mop-ups to follow specific polio case occurrences). Donor funds have been ensured for 2005, however funding gaps still exist for 2006 and 2007.

Click here to download the full PowerPoint presentation as a PDF file.