Abstract
IntroductionLessons learned from the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak enabled Liberia to develop a health plan for strengthening public health capacity against potential public health threats. risk communication is one of the core pillars that provide life-saving information and knowledge for the public to take preventive and proactive actions against public health threats. These were applied in response to the post-ebola meningococcal septicemia and meningitis outbreaks in Sinoe and Grand Kru counties. This paper documents risk communication experiences in these post-ebola outbreaks in Liberia.MethodsRisk Communication and health promotion strategies were deployed in developing response plans and promptly disseminating key messages to affected communities to mitigate the risks. Other strategies included engagement of community leaders, partnership with the media and dissemination of messages through the community radios, active monitoring community risk perceptions and compliance, rumor management, mobile stage and interpersonal communication (IPC) during the Meningococcal disease outbreaks in Sinoe and Grand Kru counties.ResultsIn Sinoe, about 36,891 households or families in 10 health districts were reached through IPC and dialogue. Circulating rumors such as “Ebola” was the cause of deaths was timely and promptly mitigated. There was increased trust and adherence to health advice including prompt reporting of sick people to the nearest health facility in the two counties.ConclusionRisk communication and health promotion encouraged community support and involvement in any response to public threats and events. No doubt, risk communication and health promotion play an important role in preparedness and response to public health emergencies.
Highlights
The magnitude and intensity of the 2014-2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Liberia incapacitated the country’s social, educational, and financial sectors
While the media initially focused on debating on misuse of resources as opposed to promoting key messages diverting the response efforts, there was poor coordination among partners which resulted in the dissemination of conflicting messages
The main risk communication methods used in Sinoe County Meningococcal Septicemia and the Grand Kru Meningitis outbreaks were centered around active community engagement of affected and surrounding communities through the development of messages, advocacy with local stakeholders, interpersonal communication, live radio talk shows in English and local languages (Kru and Sapo), and active monitoring and response to rumors
Summary
The magnitude and intensity of the 2014-2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Liberia incapacitated the country’s social, educational, and financial sectors. Like most sectors within the health system, the 2014 outbreak of the ebola virus uncovered the multiple challenges and weaknesses within Liberia’s Health Promotion Division (NHPD). Initial efforts of the NHPD to respond to concerns of the general population were overwhelmed by rumors and distrust. Contributing to the rapid spread of transmission, the initial response to the EVD outbreak was characterized by high levels of public denial, misconceptions, misinformation and resistance at the community level. Findings from anthropological studies conducted during the outbreak provided additional insight into community perspectives of the disease and the response efforts [2, 3]. While the media initially focused on debating on misuse of resources as opposed to promoting key messages diverting the response efforts, there was poor coordination among partners which resulted in the dissemination of conflicting messages. Community concerns were not captured to inform the messages and approaches initially, this was adjusted using results from the anthropological studies [3]
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