Status of Pandemic Communication in Barbados

1
Status of Pandemic Communication in Barbados

• Outbreak Communication 2 Planning and Evaluation
  Meeting
• 30 October 1 November 2007

2
Introduction

• Communication is and has been an integral part of
  PI planning
• Legacy of SARS
• Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Planning provided
  a platform for planning for Cricket World Cup
  2007

3
Summary of Plan

• PI Plan documents 4 levels of response
• Precaution or Pre-crisis
• Alert Response
• Serious Response
• Emergency Response

4
Summary contd

• These levels are based on epidemiological
  scenarios
• Each level prescribes a different set of public
  health actions and related communication messages

5
Summary contd

• Risk Communication Team will develop and lead the
  communication process
• Team will consists of personnel from Ministries
  of Health and Agriculture, GIS and PAHO

6
The plan involves six basic steps to be taken at
each level

• Information content
• Logistics and media
• Audience assessment
• Audience involvement
• Messaging
• Self Assessment

7
Main Advances in Communication Strategies

• Training in Risk Communication for Senior
  Managers in Ministries of Health and Agriculture,
  GIS and the media

8
Main Advances contd

• Cricket World Cup allowed national and regional
  infrastructure and mechanisms to be enhanced,
  strengthened and tested

9
Main Advances contd

• Budget line in 2007/2008 Financial year to
  support development of some communication
  materials

10
Communication Materials Developed

• Visitors Guide to Health Services
• Signage at airport re surveillance
• Guidelines for port health workers
• Popular theatre presentation on hand washing

11
Materials contd

• Survey on perceptions and attitudes to AI and PI
  conducted
• AI activity booklet for children
• Food safety public education campaign and
  training for food handlers
• Hotline in place and protocol developed

12
Main Challenges

• CNCDs are on the front burner at this time,
  e.g. Port of Spain Declaration
• Resurgence of Dengue Fever in Caribbean region
• Developing SOPs and guidelines
• Public apathy

13
THANK YOU