This brief article, from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria, explores the strategy of using open community dialogue sessions to raise awareness about avian influenza. This strategy, which also draws on the use of printed posters and community mobilisation, is a response to a perceived lack of accurate information about how to prevent the infection, and what to do if there is an outbreak, in this country.

Working in partnership with Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Information and Communications (and with funding from the Japanese government), UNICEF consultants are visiting places like the slum of Mowe in Ogun, Nigeria. Armed with photographs and other informational posters on the prevention of the disease, Dr. Tajudeen Akerele encouraged the 30 community members in attendance at this particular session to share their questions, concerns, and experiences with avian flu. At the conclusion of the 2-hour dialogue, Dr. Akerele distributed printed materials and encouraged participants to share their newly acquired knowledge with others.

One reason this strategy may be so effective, according to one community member quoted in the article, is that the sessions afford the opportunity to ask and answer questions about the infection immediately - and also to return to another session in the event that a refresher on the information learned is necessary. The author of the article also implies that the support of prominent personnel, such as the Chief of Mowe (who presided over the particular session described above), is important in galvanising local engagement in these educational dialogues.

UNICEF Nigeria website.