Egypt Last Push to Eradicate Polio

This was presented at the June 2004 UNICEF meeting dedicated to examining communication in the context of the final push to eradicate polio. The presentation provided an overview of the epidemiological history, current trends and risk factors in Egypt, as well as the country-specific communication strategies.

A summary of the Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance data for 2003 and 2004 is provided, as is information regarding confirmed polio cases (1 in each of 2003 and 2004, both in the Upper Nile region). There are currently two main focus areas for the eradication effort: the Upper Nile and Greater Cairo. An assessment of National Immunisation Days (NIDs) in 2004 reveals improved coverage rates, with TV and megaphone announcements being the primary source of campaign information for community members. Results of an independent survey for the period from 2002 to 2004 are included, focusing on both the primary reasons for children being missed, and the locations where children were vaccinated. The communication environment includes positive support from both government and the media - primarily via TV, new FM radio channels, and megaphones.

Specific communication objectives are noted - including a focus on supporting coverage of the NIDs in children aged 0-5 in the Upper Egypt pockets of virus circulation. Strategies employed include advocacy (First Lady, private sector and celebrities), mass media (TV, radio, religious media, billboards etc., plus question and answer (Q&A) sessions for low literates) and community mobilisation (community awareness volunteers, religious leaders, mosque announcements, megaphones, community meetings). Campaign fatigue, rumours, and questions related to performance are identified risks, for which communication responses have been developed that include engaging the public in dialogue and providing interpersonal training to health and vaccination workers.

Click here to download the full presentation as a PDF file.