Polio
Polio eradication action with informed and engaged societies
Polio
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Polio Project using the SALT Approach (Stimulate, Appreciate, Listen/Learn, Transfer)

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The problem of poor vaccination acceptance among religious communities in the north of Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), came to the forefront in 2011 after monitoring data revealed high rates of refusal of polio vaccination during National Immunisation Days (NIDs) conducted as a polio outbreak response. This yearlong pilot project, conducted throughout 2013, is being implemented by RDC Compétence, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Kinshasa, DRC, which uses the SALT Approach (Stimulate, Appreciate, Listen/Learn, Transfer), a communication strategy that aims to develop local, creative responses that are rooted in local strengths. The goal is to increase acceptance of polio vaccination in these communities, leading to higher population immunity and sustained interruption of polio virus circulation in DRC.

Communication Strategies

SALT focuses on creating local ownership through a process of community discussion, reflection, learning, and action. It uses the power of connecting communities for exchanging knowledge between localities. Ultimately, if done well, it facilitates a viral spread of local action in a geographical area leading to high cost-effectiveness compared to other training and communication programmes. Efforts will focus specifically on certain high-risk communities in Katanga province, where previous communication strategies have not led to increased acceptance of polio vaccination.

 

The SALT Approach can be extended to additional religious communities in Katanga and other provinces once this pilot project has been completed. Moreover, an intensive planning exercise will be conducted with health post staff involved in the pilot so that implementation of the strategy and gains are maintained.

Development Issues

Immunisation and Vaccines

Key Points

Wild polio virus (WPV) is suspected to have circulated, undetected, for several years in and around this province, as evidenced by the detection of 12 cases there in 2011.

Partners

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)-DRC and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with support from the Constellation Global Support Team and the DRC Ministry of Health. The CDC is providing funding for the effort through the Global Immunizations Division and a CDC Innovation Fund grant, with the remaining funding provided by UNICEF.

Sources

CDC website, April 3 2013.