Behavioural Interventions for Reducing the Transmission and Impact of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus: A Framework for Communication Strategies

This framework from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is designed to address those institutions developing communication interventions to reduce the spread and impact of the H1N1 virus (also called swine flu). It focuses on control measures at the individual and family level. It includes strategic advice on behavioural interventions to reduce transmission, morbidity, and mortality of people who are well, people who are sick, and those caring for sick people and their family members. It is premised on the characteristics of the disease and on sociocultural and economic factors that might affect the agency of people and their access to information.

The first section contains information about the H1N1 virus and how to empower people to adopt risk reduction practices. The second section includes guiding principles in communication about the virus. The third is a checklist for the planning and implementation of communications. The fourth section includes priority behavioural goals, both for prevention and for caring for those who become infected. The final section is a sequencing chart for communications planning.

If this material is not accessible through the link below, please contact WHO at internet@who.int to request a copy.