Trends in Communication Strategies through Traditional Medicine: Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Tanzania

Abstract

This study sought to establish trends in communication strategies through traditional medicine in Tanzania. The study employed the descriptive content analysis design as it was crucial for gaining insights into how language and communication strategies impact the utilization of traditional medicine in the context of COVID-19 management in Tanzania. The study involved a comprehensive documentary review of COVID-19 communication materials used in Tanzania to establish how language and communication strategies impact the utilization of traditional medicine in the context of COVID-19 management in Tanzania. Data was analyzed through the qualitative content analysis approach.The study concludes that COVID-19 communication materials made commendable efforts to reach the diverse linguistic communities in Tanzania, taking into account the country's linguistic diversity. Kiswahili and English emerged as the dominant languages, which aligns with the linguistic distribution of the population. This approach promotes inclusivity and ensures access to information. The materials demonstrated effective translation and interpretation, highlighting a commitment to accurate translation and cultural sensitivity. It is advisable to incorporate multiple languages, including local languages, to make the campaigns more accessible and relatable to linguistically diverse communities in Tanzania. Secondly, it is imperative to maintain clear communication strategies that empower individuals with varying levels of health literacy. Furthermore, when discussing traditional remedies, adopting an objective approach and stressing the significance of consulting healthcare providers for well-informed decision-making is essential. Moreover, the strategic use of visual elements should be employed to ensure a consistent and well-structured presentation of crucial information.