Presented at: The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting on Communication for Polio Eradication

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, in February 2005 Yemen experienced its first polio cases in 7 years, as a result of importation of the polio virus. By June 2005, 264 cases had been reported (update to August 16 2005: 415 cases). The key problem is identified as being that there is a low level of immunity in the population and an accumulation of susceptible children. The solution proposed is to conduct a series of high quality house-to-house campaigns. This report indicates that there is increasing support for Supplementary National Immunisation Days (SNID's), including very high governmental and political commitment and support from international partners and donors.

The status of the current Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system in Yemen is discussed. Data presented indicates that AFP surveillance still needs to be enhanced and extended to cover all geographical areas. Surveillance of AFP is described as being weak and under-reporting of cases is common. Additionally, there are gaps in the vaccination coverage data. Conflicting reports indicate a range of 70% coverage based on the district information system and 30% on the basis of a vaccination coverage cluster survey. Therefore there is a "big question mark" on the quality of the routine vaccination information system.

The overall objectives of the communication strategy are detailed as:

1. Sustaining political advocacy/commitment.
2. Raising awareness of parents with children under 5 years old.
3. Mobilising media and influential groups/teachers, Imams, community leaders, celebrities, local artists etc.
4. Strengthening partnerships.
5. Behavioural change and support for capacity building/ communication skills of community communicators and health functionaries.

The media environment is discussed. Electronic media are all state owned, with print media owned partially by the state and partially privately. Combined coverage of state owned television and radio is reported as being 90% of the population. The communication strategy includes an effort to:

• convey clear messages on vaccine safety and to allay misperceptions through mass media/interpersonal communication (IPC), and
• reduce vaccine avoidance/resistance behaviour by receiving endorsement of vaccination from Sheikhs/Imams/eminent doctors.

National Immunisation Day (NID) campaigns in Yemen are scheduled for August, September and October, 2005.

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