Academy for Educational Development

Avian Influenza Behavior Change and Communications Support Activity

Since its emergence in Southeast Asia, there has been urgent need for a rapid-response to control the spread of avian influenza in the region. This project engages and works with government officials in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia to: 

• Increase awareness among key target audiences of high-risk behaviors for contracting avian influenza, practical preventive measures, and how to recognize and respond to cases of avian influenza in animals and humans.  The key audiences include backyard farmers, consumers of poultry, and health care and veterinary staff.
• Establish alliances with private-sector companies to support planning and preparation for mitigating the impact of a potential avian influenza pandemic.

The project employs an integrated campaign approach—combining mass media and community-based, interpersonal communications—to create an environment that informs target audiences about avian influenza and introduces best practices for its prevention and containment.  In addition to developing and disseminating rapid-response prevention messages, the project aims to develop local, regional, and national capacity to respond to future outbreaks.

Materials, strategies, and lessons learned are available here: http://avianflu.aed.org.