Transformation of health communication in Bonassamaand Manjo

By James Achanyi Fontem, camlinknews

The Health District Chief of Manjo, MrsNzemeNzoga, presidedovr a one-day workshop on the transformation of communication in the Health District of Bonassama on Monday, 16th September, 2019. The workshop aimed at exchange views on the best strategies to ameliorate circulation of information within healthc areas of Bonassama in order to improve on service delivery to respective target populations. Yhe workshop was facilitated by Mr. MboloBekouti and Adongcho Priscilla. Mr. MboloBekouti presented highlights on the necessity to transform communication strategies in the pilot health districts of Bonassama and Manjo through the stragy of Communication for Development which has replaced the old strategy of community for behavior change. Mrs. Adongcho emphasized on the use of both official langauges in usd for outreach adthe health districts adding that it would be important for staff to master the languages used in the health areas for proper exchanges with the different populations. Pidgin English and local national languages were encouraged for exchanges in health communication on media out-lets like community radio stations for better understanding of government policies and planned activities. Participants drawn from the public health services, the civil society organization (CSO) and community based organisations (CBO0 were give the opportunities to present highlights on some problems faced by local populations while suggesting the way forward for better service delivery. In the recommendations, it was suggested that the media should be used for out-reach advovacy, information, education and communication purposes, while the municipal councils, business institutions and elite should be contacted to support the health projects in the health districts. Before closing the workshop, another appointment was taken for the 16th October 2019 when participants will work in thematic groups to design feasible projects for realization in different health areas and sectors ofBanassama and Manjo. Another meeting will be held on the 1st December 2019 to discuss on advovacy strategies to be adopted in the health districts for facilitating the execution of various health activities within the guidelines put in place by the ministry of public health.