AMBO UNIVERSITY

College of Social Science and Humanities

Department of Journalism and Communication

Group Assignment of Health Communication Course

Name ID
1. Zelalem Mengistu……………………………UGR/53159/13
2. Amanuel Tesfa………………………………..UGR/54475/13
3. Ibsa Abdela…………………………………….UGR/54334/13
4. Henok Mengesha……………………………UGR/53580/13
5. Tizita Dawit…………………………………...UGR/53105/13

Submitted to: Ass.Pr Dano E.

AMBO, ETHIOPIA
INTRODUCTION
Health communication campaigns play a crucial role in addressing public health challenges and
promoting positive health behaviors. Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, poses a
significant threat to communities worldwide, including Ambo woredas in the Oromia Region of
Ethiopia. This assignment focuses on a health communication campaign implemented in Ambo
woredas to combat the spread of measles, exploring its objectives, strategies, stakeholders
involved, and impact.
Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that can have severe complications and lead to
significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among children. In Ambo woredas, where
healthcare infrastructure and access may be limited, it becomes even more critical to implement
effective health communication campaigns to raise awareness about measles prevention, promote
vaccination, and disseminate accurate information about the disease.
One notable health communication campaign targeting measles in Ambo woredas is the “Ambo
Measles Awareness Project.” This campaign, in collaboration with local health departments,
community leaders, and international and local non-governmental organizations, aims to increase
knowledge and understanding of measles, encourage vaccination, and promote preventive
behaviors within the community.

The "Ambo Measles Awareness Project" utilizes multiple communication channels to reach a
wide audience and effectively deliver key messages. These channels include community
meetings, public health announcements, radio broadcasts in local languages, and distribution of
educational materials such as brochures and posters. The campaign focuses on disseminating
accurate information about the measles vaccine, addressing common misconceptions and
concerns, and emphasizing the importance of timely vaccinations for all eligible individuals.
Research indicates that addressing misconceptions and concerns related to vaccines is crucial in
promoting vaccination uptake (Larson et al., 2018). By incorporating culturally appropriate and
locally tailored messages into the campaign, the “Ambo Measles Awareness Project” seeks to
build trust and credibility among the community members and increase vaccine acceptance rates.
Moreover, the campaign also engages community influencers, including religious leaders,
traditional healers, and local elders, in disseminating accurate information about measles and
promoting vaccination. Community influencers play a significant role in shaping health-related
beliefs and behaviors, making their involvement vital for the success of health communication
campaigns (Rimal et al., 2011).
Evaluation of the “Ambo Measles Awareness Project” is crucial to assess its impact and
effectiveness. Monitoring vaccination coverage rates, knowledge levels, and attitudes towards
measles vaccination can provide valuable insights into the campaign’s success and identify areas
that require further targeted interventions or improvements. Through its multi-channel approach,
engagement of community influencers, and dissemination of accurate information, the campaign
aims to increase awareness, dispel misconceptions, and promote vaccination uptake. Evaluation
and continuous improvement are essential aspects of the project’s implementation, ensuring its
effectiveness and sustained impact in controlling and preventing measles in Ambo woredas.

About this campaign

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted primarily by respiratory droplets or

airborne spray to mucous membranes in the upper respiratory tract or the conjunctiva
Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by measles virus which kill children
Measles can be prevented by giving at least two doses of measles vaccine.
Measles campaign is being conducted from this to ( ታህሳስ 19 እስከ 22 2016), mention target Age
group
All children age greater or equal to 6 month to less than 10 years old has to receive measles
vaccine whether they received before or not.
The vaccination will be given at fixed facility by trained health workers.
The campaign will be conducted from 29th of Dec 2023 to Jan1 2024 of (ከታህሳስ 19 እስከ ታህሳስ
22 2016) in designated Vacc. Posts in Ambo Woredas.
Lets our children get vaccinated to protect them from “Measles disease”
Vaccination is the most effective way of prevention and control of measles outbreaks
This vaccination campaign is planned to interrupt transmission of measles virus in Outbreak
affected woredas

The objectives of this campaign are;

 To stop the transmission of measles virus in Ambo woredas so that we can control the
outbreak
 To enhance routine immunization (RI) activities
 To enhance active surveillance so that to detect more cases from the community
  To enhance population level immunity so that most children will be protected from
measles virus

Target Population:
To vaccinate ALL children from 6 mnths to 10yrs of age irrespective of their previous
vaccination or measles disease history in Ambo woredas
This includes children who received vaccine less than four weeks prior to this campaign
Key Messages for the Social Media Measles Vaccination Campaign
1. Organized Measles Vaccination Campaign for Children’s Health!
Measles vaccination for children under 10 years of age will be given in a campaign at local
health facilities and temporary vaccination centers starting from December 19/2
2. Our child’s health is in our hands!
From December 19/2016, children under 2 years of age will be givenOpportunity: To identify
and vaccinate measles zero-dose and incompletely vaccinated children
Daily target: The campaign will be conducted in fixed post/Mobile fixed post strategy in which
one team is expected to vaccinate 250 children per day.
routine vaccination during the organized measles vaccination campaign. Uma become a user of
this service.
3. Have you vaccinated your child?
Measles vaccination will be given in a campaign starting December 19, 2016 for children under
10 years of age whether they have been vaccinated before or not. That’s why don’t forget to
vaccinate your child.
4. All participation, For children’s health!
The coordinated measles vaccination campaign starting December 19, 2016 will create a good
opportunity for children under two years of age who have never been vaccinated and who have
stopped vaccination to get vaccinated. Therefore, let us do our part to make our children the
beneficiaries of this service.
5. Have you vaccinated your child?
Children aged 6 months to 10 years can be vaccinated against measles to prevent illness and
death from the measles virus.
6. Giardiasis is a dangerous and life-threatening disease!
Children who have not been vaccinated against measles are at increased risk of getting measles.
So vaccinate your children on time.
7. What action do you take when you see signs of measles in children?
If you notice symptoms such as jumping/coughing, burning sensation, shifting from the body,
red eyes and the like in your child, it may be a sign of measles and take your children to the
nearest health facility immediately for treatment make them available.
8. Let’s prevent giardiasis with vaccination!
Giardiasis exposes our children to severe pain and death. That’s why vaccinate all your children
under the age of 10 today.
9. Remember! Starting December 19, 2016, measles vaccination will be given in a campaign
format so don’t forget to vaccinate all your children under 10 years of age.
“Vaccination is a child’s right. Vaccination is a family duty.”
Channel of Communication

 Direct communication with partners and stakeholders

They used face to face communication (direct) with the official partners and stakeholders in
order to mobilize them and get some sort of support.
 Deploy and train mobilizer (town criers/ announcers)
Those are the most used way of communication in the woredas of Ambo. These announcers
transmit all the information to the community with the language that they understand. Those
announcers have to take training first and then get to work.
 Use traditional Communication channels (Like Idirs, kebele leaders,religious
leader, clan leader, Market place)
These traditional communication channels are the most effective channels however some of them
are not used in the campaign. However Idirs, kebele leaders and market place announcement
have played a major role in this Measles campaign.

 House to house mobilization

The house to house mobilization brought a positive behavioural change among most families.
Health workers were moving around all the houses of individuals as much as possible,(to
vaccinate) and teach the community about measles.
  Use local radio
Local radio have been used in the campaign in order to create awareness and take action. The
families that have radio took their child to health center to vaccinate.
 Use of banners/posters in local language
Banners and posters are the most widely used way of communication in the area provided with
local language as they could understand it. The banners and posters were provided in health care
center, in school, in market places ….etc
Mobile van is also used in this campaign. This mobilizes the community to the participation of
children’s vaccination.

Role of Health Care Workers and Stake holders in Measles Campaign

1. Measles Prevention: Information on the importance of measles vaccination, its
effectiveness, and the recommended schedule for vaccination.
2. Measles Symptoms: Education on the signs and symptoms of measles, including fever,
cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash.

3. Measles Complications: Awareness of potential complications associated with measles,

such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, particularly among vulnerable populations
such as infants and the immunocompromised.

4. Vaccine Myths and Misconceptions: Addressing common misconceptions and

misinformation about measles vaccination, including debunking myths related to vaccine
safety and side effects.

5. Importance of Herd Immunity: Communicating the concept of herd immunity and the
role of community-wide vaccination in protecting vulnerable children’s.

6. Access to Vaccination Services: Providing information on the availability and

accessibility of measles vaccination services in Ambo Woredas, including vaccination
centers, schedules, and outreach programs.
 7. Hygiene and Infection Control: Promoting good hygiene practices, such as handwashing
and respiratory etiquette, to prevent the spread of measles and other infectious diseases.
8. Community Engagement: Encouraging community involvement and support for
vaccination initiatives, including the role of community leaders, religious institutions, and
local organizations in promoting vaccination and dispelling misinformation.

9. Legal and Policy Framework: Communicating relevant laws, policies, and regulations
related to measles vaccination, including rights and responsibilities of individuals and
public health authorities.
10. Emergency Preparedness: Providing information on response protocols in the event of
measles outbreaks, including community-based surveillance, reporting mechanisms, and
coordinated public health interventions.

CONCLUSION
The measles campaign in the Ambo Woredas has been a crucial step in addressing the public
health issue of measles within the community. Through comprehensive planning, coordination,
and implementation, the health sector and other organizations team has successfully developed
and executed a health communication campaign aimed at raising awareness, promoting
vaccination, and educating the public about the importance of measles prevention.

Throughout this assignment, we have gained valuable insights into the public health landscape of
the Ambo Woredas and the challenges faced in combating measles. The campaign has not only
focused on the dissemination of accurate information but has also strived to dispel myths and
misconceptions surrounding vaccination and the disease itself. By fostering community
engagement and utilizing culturally relevant communication strategies, they have been able to
connect with the population at a grassroots level, fostering trust and understanding.

The collaboration with local health authorities, community leaders, and stakeholders has been
instrumental in the success of this campaign. They have worked to ensure the accessibility and
availability of vaccination services, addressing logistical barriers and promoting healthcare
seeking behavior. Through community outreach, they have been able to reach remote and
underserved populations, making the efforts inclusive and equitable.
we recognize the strides made in increasing vaccination coverage, reducing the incidence of
measles, and fostering a culture of health literacy within the Ambo Woredas. Moving forward, it
is our hope that the momentum generated by this initiative will continue to build, leading to
sustained improvements in public health and a reduction in the burden of measles within the
community.

REFERENCES
1. Larson, H. J., Jarrett, C., Schulz, W. S., Chaudhuri, M., Zhou, Y., & Dube, E. (2018).
Measuring vaccine hesitancy: The development of a survey tool. Vaccine, 36(37), 5278-
5287.
2. Rimal, R. N., Flora, J. A., & Schooler, C. (2011). Achieving Improvements in Total and
Saturated Fat Intakes Through the Positively Different Campaign: A Parallel-Group
Randomized Controlled Trial of Efficacy. American Journal of Health Promotion, 25(3),
169–179.