Experiences gained in conducting National Communication Campaigns in Nigeria Zainab Abdulkareem, FDV & PCS, Abuja Nigeria zainabseze@gmail.com Paper presentation at the Regional Seminar for OIE National Focal Points for Communication of Africa (English-speaking countries) Mombasa, Kenya 27 th -29 th September, 2016
Outline q Nigerian Profile q Introduction q History of Animal Health communication in Nigeria q Experiences during Avian Influenza outbreaks campaign ü strategies ü Campaign Messages ü Impact ü Challenges q Conclusion
Nigerian Profile Ø Over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria but the major ones are Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo. Ø Ethnic groups led by traditional leaders: Emir(Hausa), Oba(Yoruba) Obi(Igbo). Ø Human population 170 million (2013 CIA world fact book) Ø Structured into 3 tiers of Governments: Federal, States and LGAs. Ø 36 States+ FCT with 774 LGAs Ø Presidential System of Government
Introduction Communication Campaigns, if developed in a strategic way and if informed by principles and theories of effective communication can be successful in conveying messages to large sections of a population. They are useful tools in the promotion of Animal health and are important in the prevention and control of spread of animal and zoonotic diseases.
History of Animal Health Communication in Nigeria Animal Health Communication has been in existence in Nigeria since the pre-colonial era and it progressed stage by stage until the technological era. Town criers Radio jingles Television jingles Newspapers IEC materials
Experiences during Avian Influenza (AI) outbreaks campaign After the laboratory confirmation of the AI outbreak in 2006, the Hon Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development made a press release on the disease which was carried by both print and electronic media in the country. There were also radio jingles, town hall meetings and training workshops, which further enlightened the public and stakeholders. The press releases and airing of AI messages did not only create a nation wide awareness but also enhanced the reporting of AI suspected cases by the farmers to veterinary authorities. Press release by HMA 70 60 Monthly Report of AI outbreak in Nigeria No Outbreaks 50 40 30 20 10 0 1. Compensation 2. Distribution of AI commodities 3. Public awareness 4. Movement control 5. Capacity building Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Months
Avian Influenza outbreaks campaign Cont d Strategy 1 Advocacy ü Traditional leaders (Emirs, Obas, Obis) ü Religious leaders ü Political leaders ü Community leaders(district and ward heads) Sensitization ü Media
Strategy 2 Establishment of crisis management center to disseminate information to the policy makers, relevant stakeholders and development partners
Strategy 3 Establishment of communication focal points ü ü ü Federal State Local Government Area
Strategy 4 Public awareness campaign targeted at the relevant actors in the poultry industry ü Poultry Association of Nigeria ü Live Bird Market Operators ü Poultry Processors Associations ü Poultry Transporters Associations ü Fowl Sellers Association ü Hatcheries ü Poultry Feed Millers Associations ü Market associations
Strategy 5 Development of Communication Tools ü Radio and TV Jingles ü IEC materials such as posters, handbills with the support of FAO, USAID and UNICEF ü Newsletters which features weekly reports of the AI situation
IEC Materials
Campaign Messages ü Clinical signs ü Proper handling of suspected cases ü Compensation ü Biosecurity measures ü On-farm quarantine
Impact of AI Communication campaigns Increased public awareness on the disease and its prevention measures Increased perception of risk of the consequences of the disease Improved on-farm biosecurity practices by farmers Improved biosecurity in LBMs Improved disease reporting by farmers
Challenges Initial messages aired were wrongly perceived and so communication professionals had to do damage control Language barrier as Nigeria has over 250 languages and messages were translated in only 4 languages In adequate funding for communication activities Low human capacity in communication Inability of other professionals to see communication as important as necessary.
Conclusion Animal Health communication campaign is one of the most effective tool/strategy in the control of Avian Influenza and other trans boundary animal diseases.