BackgroundMalaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five in Cameroon. The recent introduction of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine provides an important opportunity to reduce the disease burden. However, little is known about caregivers’ awareness and perceptions during the early vaccine rollout. This study explored caregivers’ understanding, attitudes, and experiences regarding the malaria vaccine in selected urban and rural communities in the South West Region of Cameroon, forming part of a broader mixed-methods project aimed at informing strategies to strengthen vaccine uptake.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative design was used, involving two focus group discussions with 20 mothers and caregivers of children aged 11–30 months. Participants were purposively selected to capture diverse perspectives across settings. Discussions examined awareness, perceived benefits, misconceptions, and contextual factors shaping vaccine uptake. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated, and analysed thematically using an inductive deductive coding approach.ResultsFindings showed that caregivers in the urban setting had high awareness of the malaria vaccine, though understanding was often limited and sometimes confused with other malaria interventions. Rural caregivers displayed uneven awareness but strong trust in health workers, which positively influenced acceptance. Across both settings, perceived benefits such as reduced severity of malaria episodes enhanced confidence in the vaccine. Barriers included communication gaps, misinformation, gender dynamics, long waiting times, and distance to health facilities. Caregivers recommended strengthening community-based communication through churches, town criers, health talks, outreach sessions, and visual materials.ConclusionThese findings highlight the importance of clear, consistent communication and trust-building as Cameroon expands malaria vaccine implementation. Enhanced community engagement and improved service delivery may support equitable uptake. The insights from this qualitative phase offer a foundation for further research within the wider mixed-methods project.

The Boko Haram insurgency has inflicted profound disruption on communities in northeast Nigeria, with Gujba Local Government Area (LGA) among the most severely affected. Although transitional justice (TJ) initiatives have been introduced to address human rights violations, youth participation has remained limited and largely symbolic. This article examines the specific roles that young people occupy in TJ processes in Gujba LGA and proposes a strategic communication framework to enhance their substantive engagement. A mixed methods design was employed, with quantitative data from a structured survey of 300 youths (187 male, 113 female) and qualitative insights drawn from 13 key informant interviews. Findings reveal that while 40% of respondents have ever attended TJ events, attendance is typically confined to community reconciliation (60%), with minimal involvement in policy workshops (25%). Youth contributions frequently remain logistical or testimonial rather than consultative. Demographic analysis indicates higher participation among those aged 20–24 and individuals with post-secondary education, whereas farmers and young women face pronounced barriers. Drawing on framing and diffusion theories, the article outlines a seven-step advocacy campaign encompassing tailored messages in local languages, multi-channel dissemination (radio, town criers, mobile messaging) and culturally sensitive formats (women only sessions, youth led media). Preliminary pilot data suggest that targeted messaging can raise awareness from 35% to over 60% and increase active speaking roles among participants by 30%. The proposed framework offers policymakers and practitioners a replicable model for transforming youth from passive observers to active stakeholders in TJ, thereby strengthening the legitimacy and effectiveness of post conflict recovery processes.

The Boko Haram insurgency has inflicted profound disruption on communities in northeast Nigeria, with Gujba Local Government Area (LGA) among the most severely affected. Although transitional justice (TJ) initiatives have been introduced to address human rights violations, youth participation has remained limited and largely symbolic. This article examines the specific roles that young people occupy in TJ processes in Gujba LGA and proposes a strategic communication framework to enhance their substantive engagement. A mixed methods design was employed, with quantitative data from a structured survey of 300 youths (187 male, 113 female) and qualitative insights drawn from 13 key informant interviews. Findings reveal that while 40% of respondents have ever attended TJ events, attendance is typically confined to community reconciliation (60%), with minimal involvement in policy workshops (25%). Youth contributions frequently remain logistical or testimonial rather than consultative. Demographic analysis indicates higher participation among those aged 20–24 and individuals with post-secondary education, whereas farmers and young women face pronounced barriers. Drawing on framing and diffusion theories, the article outlines a seven-step advocacy campaign encompassing tailored messages in local languages, multi-channel dissemination (radio, town criers, mobile messaging) and culturally sensitive formats (women only sessions, youth led media). Preliminary pilot data suggest that targeted messaging can raise awareness from 35% to over 60% and increase active speaking roles among participants by 30%. The proposed framework offers policymakers and practitioners a replicable model for transforming youth from passive observers to active stakeholders in TJ, thereby strengthening the legitimacy and effectiveness of post conflict recovery processes.

This study sought to investigate Ikot Udota residents' perception of the credibility of information disseminated through town criers. Specifically, the study objectives were to: examine the extent to which Ikot Udota residents are exposed to information disseminated by local town criers; find out the perception of Ikot Udota residents of information disseminated by town criers; examine Ikot Udota residents' perception of the credibility of information disseminated by town criers; and find out the effectiveness of town criers in disseminating credible information to positively influence Ikot Udota residents' perception. Anchored on the Social Category Theory and Perception Theory, the study adopted a survey research design, administering questionnaires to 342 respondents selected through a combination of purposive and systematic random sampling techniques. Findings reveal that a significant proportion of Ikot Udota residents are exposed to town crier announcements to a very large extent (54%); hold a positive perception of town crier announcements (71%); perceive town criers as credible sources of information (65%); and believe that town crying ensures accuracy and maintains credibility (77%). Recommendations are that town criers in Ikot Udota should continue to leverage local dialects and cultural references; community leaders should support town criers with accurate and timely information; Ikot Udota residents should remain receptive to town crier announcements and provide feedback; and relevant stakeholders should collaborate with town criers to promote public health campaigns, community development initiatives, and social cohesion

The study investigates the relationship between caregivers' preferred mediums of information about immunization and childhood immunization coverage in Zamfara state, Northern Nigeria.Primary data was collected from 200 caregivers from KauraNamoda, Bakura and Gusau local government areas of the state using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires.The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and Binary Logistic regression models.The descriptive result shows that most of the caregivers were between the age of 31 and 50 years (70%) with 96 (48%) having secondary school certificate (high school) has their highest level of education, about 98 (49%) and 23 (12%) preferred information from their traditional and religious leaders respectively, while 20 (10%) preferred information through town criers, 40 (20%) preferred information from the State's Radio stations, , 6 (3%) through test messages, 5 (3%) through health workers, 5 (3%) through family and 2 (1%) through television.Results from Binary Logistic regression also reveal a positive relationship between these preferred mediums of information about immunization and a potential increase of childhood immunization coverage with a positive coefficient (0.91) that is statistically significant at 5% with a P-Value of 2.52%.This shows that people from this place have more believed and respect for their traditional institutions which are the custodian of culture in these places so culture is been respected in these areas.Therefore, there is a need for policy makers to have more collaboration with traditional institutions during implementation of immunization programmes.The study also shows that media especially radio (20%) can also play an important role in disseminating of information on immunization in these communities.So, in implementing a holistic program on immunization traditional institution (traditional leaders, religious leaders and town criers) with local radio stations should be targeted for information dissemination in order to improve immunization coverage in the State.

The growth of urban cities in Igbo land, Nigeria has necessitated the use of radio to broadcast news to a larger Igbo speaking audience, hence Igbo radio newscasting has been normalised over from the traditional town criers in the Igbo local communities. Against this background, this study examines the growth of Igbo radio newscasting and some of the issues facing Igbo newscasters during news broadcast in the Igbo language. Data were drawn from interviews collected from both retired and current Igbo newscaster veterans, and also through personal observations by the author. Findings show that time allocated to Igbo radio newscasting and stations that broadcasting in Igbo language has increased overtime. While the study argues that Igbo radio news has been on the growth from the time it started, it also pointed out areas where Igbo newscasters needs to improvements, and intervention especially in the area of curriculum development that is peculiar to the language.

This study was carried out on rice farmers awareness on Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices in Taraba state with specifically the study assessed rice farmers awareness on Climate Smart Agriculture practices, analyses the level of rice farmers awareness on different types of CSA practices, identify the rice farmers sources of information on CSA practices, determine the frequency of usage of CSA practices by rice farmers and identify rice farmers constraints in adopting the CSA practices in Taraba State. Multi-stage sampling techniques was used to select 210 respondents, data obtained were analyze using frequency, percentage distribution and mean. The result on the farmers awareness on various CSA practices shows that little above average (57%) were aware CSA practices. On the level of knowledge on CSA Practices by farmers were avoidance of flood prone areas with a mean score(x̄=1.95), good agronomy practices (x̄=1.80) and water conservation (x̄=1.87), among others. Major sources of CSA practices information extension agents (35.8%), radio (22.5%), friends/neighbors’ (16.7%), fellow farmers (12.5%). System of rice intensification (94.2%). System of Rice Intensification (94.2%), avoidance flood prone areas (87.5%), were the mostly used CSA practices among farmers. Constraints affecting practices of CSA were high costs of labour (87.3%), untimely access to farm inputs (81.7%) and high cost of hired farm land (75.8%). Based on the findings, of the study it is therefore recommended that Taraba State Government should partner with research institutes particularly National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Service to provide timely information regarding practices of CSA to farmers and creation of regular awareness and updates on CSA using town criers, media such as radio/television, newspapers, internet and farmers' cooperatives will go a long way to in encouraging CSA practices in Taraba state.

This study examines the communication campaign strategies employed by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) in addressing open defecation practices within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. The study's objectives include identifying the communication strategies used by AEPB, assessing the extent of their implementation, evaluating their effectiveness, and analysing the challenges hindering their assimilation in combating open defecation. The study was anchored on the Persuasive Communication Theory and Empowerment Theory. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 384 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Findings reveal that AEPB employs various communication strategies, including town hall meetings with stakeholders, engagement of town criers, community theatre, utilisation of traditional and religious centres, billboards, posters, banners, and strategic placement of informational materials. However, the study establishes that these strategies have been ineffective due to challenges such as public attitudes towards sanitation and inadequate monitoring mechanisms. The study recommends that AEPB enhance public awareness of its hygiene promotion initiatives, particularly by intensifying the deployment of diverse communication strategies to combat open defecation effectively.

Telecommunications offers an alternative or supplement to community-based interventions as a means of extending healthcare services and improving health outcomes in remote settings but can fail to reach target communities and achieve the desired impact if barriers to access are not overcome. We conducted seven focus group discussions and 26 interviews with community health workers, community leaders, and female members of the public who declared that they had or had not previously accessed free audio health messages provided via a mobile platform in two rural communities of Mali, Koulikoro and Bougouni. A content analysis showed that participants accessed and trusted health information from a range of sources, including radio, telephone and television, as well as town criers, local relays and community health centres. Barriers to access faced by women included economic factors, lack of network or electricity, and social factors such as illiteracy, cultural restrictions and being unaware of mobile communication. Through analysis and interpretation of the participants’ responses, we have made recommendations for future campaigns for the dissemination of health-related information for women in remote settings.

As national trachoma programmes increase efforts to reduce the burden of trachomatous trichiasis (TT), TT case finding and referral are critical public health programme components. Our research aimed to explore the most effective and efficient approaches to finding, referring, and managing TT cases. This was a prospective descriptive study, utilizing both routine programme data and primary data collection. This study compared four different approaches to finding TT cases across three different local government areas (LGAs) in Kano State, Nigeria. Each of the study LGAs was divided into four sub-units to accommodate the four different approaches. The number of outreach attendees was 4795 across the four case finding approaches, and this varied hugely, with the smallest number and proportion (403, 0.26%) in settings only employing house-to-house case finding and the largest number and proportion (1901, 0.99%) when town criers were used. That said, the proportion of TT cases among people presenting at outreach was highest (32.5%) when house-to-house case finding was used and lowest (10.3%) when town criers were used. More female TT patients were found (53-70%) and had surgery (79-85%) compared to male cases, across all approaches. The average project expenditure for finding one TT case was similar for approaches that included house-to-house case finding (USD 5.4-6.3), while it was 3.5 times higher (USD 21.5 per TT case found) when town criers were used. This study found that the house-to-house TT case finding approaches were the most efficient method with the highest yield of TT cases. Including other eye condition and/or vision testing yielded similar results but required more personnel and cost.

The study investigated Utilization of Traditional Modes of Communication by Community Based Institutions in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. The research sought to investigate the utilization of the six major traditional modes of communication mainly used in rural areas such as the gong, drama presentation, folktales/proverbs and storytelling, dances and songs, town crier and talking drum and how these traditional modes of communication are jointly utilized in dissemination of information to rural populace in the communities under study. The exploratory survey research design was adopted because of the nature of the research. The instrument for data collection was a modified likert form questionnaire with twenty six (29) question items divided into sections A and B. A total of 450 copies of questionnaire were distributed three communities studied, which are Igbere community (150), Item Community (150) and Alayi Community (150). Four hundred and twenty (420) copies were returned; however, three hundred and ninety-six (396) were duly completed and found to be usable for this study, and thus, this amounted to 85.8% response rate. Data analysis was done with mean scores drawn from Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) with 2.5 mean score as the significant level. The study reveals that traditional modes of communication are positively used by community based institutions as they find it very appeasing, mostly for the fact that it enables them in the delivery of fast and efficient communication. It is also easy to understand. The research recommends among other things that the traditional modes of communication need to be maintained as they are part of our identity in rural information service delivery, other ways of communication might be introduced, such as using public address system, this culture needs to be maintained as it is necessary for so many cultural orientations of the rural communities, town criers should be trained to be able to use modern techniques of information delivery for effective rural information service delivery.

The provision of traditional information to a wide range of communities with different classes of leadership and a mixed multitude is a major challenge to Omoku communities. The research is aimed at disseminating traditional information via digital means in Omoku communities in Onelga. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with a sample size of 500 (250 males and 250 females) from 27 communities in Omoku town. The study was guided by three research questions and three null hypotheses which were tested at 0.05 α-level of significance. A questionnaire of 15 items was used to collect data, while Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient value of 0.84 was estimated for the instrument. The research questions were determined by mean and standard deviation, and the hypothesis was tested by z-test and linear regression statistics. Hypotheses one and three were tested with z-test, whereas hypothesis two was tested with linear regression. The findings reveal that town criers, as a means of disseminating traditional information in Omoku communities, are slow and capable of inciting violence. The findings also reveal that Omoku indigenes were familiar with digital technology and were interested in the digital dissemination of traditional information. However, the indigenes of Omoku communities lament the issues of poor network coverage, irregular power supply and non-availability of funds to procure smart phones and also subscribe to the network. The study therefore recommends the provision of network mast, fund and orientation programmes for the 12 communities in Omoku, among others.

Objective: To assess the perception of the extension of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) and its social acceptability. Methods: The data used in this study comes from a qualitative survey commissioned by The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and conducted in October 2022 in the Damagaram Takaya and Takeita Health Districts, Zinder region. Four focus groups were carried out per health district with members of the Health Management Committee (COGES), distributors, fathers of families benefiting from the extension of the SMC and mothers (baby-sitters). In addition to the focus groups, individual interviews were conducted with health staff, authorities and other stakeholders involved in implementing malaria control policies. The data collected was transcribed and then summarised in a matrix to serve as a basis for this work. Results: The population was aware of the extension of the SMC and was in favour of receiving it again. The extension of the SMC is accepted, but the side effects of taking the drugs are the main obstacle to the success of the operation. In practice, the 2nd and 3rd doses are not always administered as scheduled, either because they are forgotten or because they are kept in reserve for future treatment. As far as the communication system is concerned, town criers and health workers are the most effective means of reaching the population. Conclusion: The extension of the SMC is well received by the community. However, to achieve its objectives, means must be found to monitor the administration of the 2nd and 3rd doses to children. Similarly, its success depends on the number of teams and distribution days now that the target is almost doubled.

At the Crossroads: Introducing New Work in Early America and Colonial Latin America

The purpose of this article was to analyze the method used to handle communal conflict in Ogbakiri using a descriptive survey. A sample size of 400 was drawn using Taro Yamane from the study's population of 201,901. The respondents' information was gathered using a 33-item questionnaire that was self-designed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data that had been obtained. Result showed that traditional leaders, town criers, vigilante groups, social institutions, eleawerenzi (married women), omereny (adult daughters), the authority of the ancestors, elders, the use of law enforcement personnel, the use of courts, and the constitution of fact-finding committees were the main conflict management systems in Ogbakiri because only the government cannot resolve intercommunal disputes hence, committees comprising of archeologists, historians, and traditional rulers should be set up by the government to put up all historic facts right to avoid twisting of facts.

Sound was important to urban devotional and guild confraternities: sounds of various kinds, including organized and semi-improvised musics, served as acoustic signals that heralded their presence and communicated their identity; and different combinations of sounds characterized their devotional activities and ceremonies. Whether based at the cathedral or a collegiate, parish or conventual church, confraternities developed a sonic identity that drew on shared elements—bells, town criers, the hiring of wind-bands and other musicians such as trumpets and drums, as well as players of stringed instruments, the organ, chant and polyphonic singing, songs and dances—that were combined in various ways according to the devotional needs and economic resources of the confraternity in question, and to the nature of the event in which they were participating. More sound was generally regarded as more prestigious, but this depended on the fluctuating economic situation of individual confraternities. The smaller brotherhoods often struggled to meet the expense of hiring musicians for the annual feast days of their patron saints. Given the proliferation of confraternities in a city such as Barcelona, the density of their devotional activity—in addition to their customary participation in general urban processions, such as those of Holy Week, Corpus Christi, and other major feasts—meant that their contribution to the urban soundscape was considerable: indeed, it is impossible to recover any real sense of it without taking into account their musical patronage and sonic contribution.

Humanity’s dependence on signage and signalling persists across various settings and occasions, spanning from coordinating meeting times and locations to informing about transportation schedules. These notifications play a pivotal role in guiding society towards well-informed decisions, ultimately leading to an improved lifestyle. In the past, some notifications were delivered orally by town criers in rural areas. However, with significant technological advancements in towns and cities, such methods have become inadequate. Similarly, the traditional practice of sticking paper notices on wooden boards not only proves inefficient but also wasteful of valuable resources. Recognizing the significance of meeting our daily information needs in a timely and cost-effective manner, leveraging modern electronic and wireless technology becomes essential for achieving better socio-economic outcomes. Information is undeniably powerful, underscoring the paramount need for rapid and convenient dissemination of time-critical information. Considering this, the present project proposes the design and implementation of a Wireless P2.5 Full Colour LED Display Notice Board using the HDWF4 Controller. This cutting-edge display system aims to circulate vital information in public places, such as colleges, schools, offices, malls, travel hubs, and other establishments. By enhancing security systems and promoting awareness of emergency situations, potential dangers can be averted. This innovative design provides flexibility by enabling the display of messages on the P2.5 Full Colour LED module through a WiFi-controlled

This study assessed the management of indigenous livestock in Egba zone of Ogun State using one hundred and forty four farmers and twenty Village Extension Agents. Data were collected with interview schedule and questionnaire respectively. The study revealed that indigenous livestock farmers were of average age of 48 years, mostly (77.8%) native of these communities sampled and literate (63.2%), more female (58.3%) and they were not cosmopolite (83.3%). Poultry, sheep and goats are mostly kept by indigenous livestock farmers, followed by cattle and pig, snail and rabbit by a few farmers. Most (66.7%) farmers raised their livestock on free range while few provided feeding and housing for their animals. Local materials were used for feeding, housing, and ethno-veterinary care for animals. Livestock farmers earned an average of twenty one thousand seven hundred and fifty naira monthly from their animals. The materials livestock farmers used included pawpaw seeds for deworming, lime and sandpaper leaf to control lice, sulphur, lime and palm oil to control mange; Iyeye leaves [Spondia mombin] for treatment of diarrhea in ruminants. Communication methods used in the diffusion of ethno-veterinary practices were town criers, traditional songs and festivals, folk tales, use of signs and symbols, life dramas and face-to-face interpersonal media while the sources of information were extension agents, community leaders, fellow farmers, neighbours, livestock traders, and farmers` union. Most important information came from fellow farmers. Indigenous livestock farmers should be involved in research and extension planning and regular visits to farmers by village extension agents is recommended.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious health and socioeconomic impacts on people all over the world. It was expected that Africa would be the hardest hit; consequently, Nigeria and other African nations worked with non-government organisations to institute a framework for controlling the spread of the disease and the resultant economic woes. The measures, however, largely focused on urban centres, whereas the spread of the virus and the disease transcended imported urban cases to spread through the rural community. This study explored the experiences of traditional rulers, who are closest to rural people, in the fight against COVID-19. A qualitative research design was adopted and data were collected from eight Nigerian traditional rulers through interviews. The collected data were coded inductively using NVivo v12 and were then analysed thematically. Findings showed that the traditional rulers adopted measures such as the use of town criers to raise awareness among rural people about COVID-19. Findings also revealed that the protection measures led to increased economic hardship for rural people in Nigeria. Doubt about the existence of the virus and widespread poverty were found to be the major hindrances in the fight against the pandemic. It is recommended that traditional rulers collaborate with the government to make free protective equipment available for poor rural people, and collaborate with youths and religious leaders to properly fight the 'infodemic' through continuous community education and awareness-raising.

Abstract Childhood malnutrition is a major public health concern. We evaluated components and outcome measures for potential interventions promoting a healthy diet, physical activity (PA), and good hygiene among children in Lagos, Nigeria. This mixed-methods study, informed by the Medical Research Council Framework for development of complex interventions, took place in a semi-urban area. Participants in school and community settings were recruited via town criers and community networks. Acceptability and feasibility of 12 intervention sessions (10 school; 2 community) and the Global School-based Student Health Survey (diet, PA, hygiene knowledge/practices questionnaire and body mass index (BMI) measures) were evaluated in qualitative interviews, completion and data quality, respectively. Participants included 130 children aged 8-15yrs; 3 children and their parents took part in qualitative interviews. All 12 sessions were delivered with 100% participation. Session components and delivery were deemed acceptable; however, parents highlighted the timing of the sessions and integration into the school curriculum as potential barriers to sustainability. Researcher capacity and school timing impacted the completion of the survey and measurements (n = 59; 45% response rate). There were no missing questionnaire data. Questionnaire and measurement outcomes were similar across settings except for the proportion of children reporting no handwashing before eating at school (91% school vs 88% community; p = 0.006). This may reflect the inappropriateness of some questionnaire items for non-school attending children. Interventions addressing diet, PA and hygiene may be acceptable and feasible in low resource school and community settings in Nigeria. Increased researcher capacity and adaptation of outcomes measures for non-school attending children may be needed. Key messages Diet, PA and hygiene interventions may be acceptable and feasible in Nigeria. Researcher capacity and questionnaire adaptation may be needed.