"Vietnam and Peru are two examples of countries that, in the past decade, surpassed WHO targets. This paper synthesizes the lessons learned from those two programs, with a particular emphasis on the role of strategic health communication in each program. The conclusions in this paper are drawn from two in-depth reports — 'The Role of Health Communication in Vietnam’s Fight Against Tuberculosis' and 'The Role of Health Communication in Peru’s Fight Against Tuberculosis' — as well as a focused literature review." (Page 1)
"HERE ARE 12 LESSONS TO KEEP IN MIND FOR SUCCESS:
1 Political commitment is essential, especially when combined with increased resources [...]
2 The clinical aspects of the program—including diagnostic services, drug supplies, and patient supervision—must be in place and functioning before large-scale communication activities begin [...]
3 Communication activities are most effective when they are integrated into all program activities at all levels [...]
4 Formative research can unlock key communication challenges [...]
5 Training of TB control program personnel, especially front-line workers, in interpersonal communication and counseling skills as part of the overall communication program is critical [...]
6 Communication programs are more effective when consistent messages are conveyed through a mix of communication channels [...]
7 Communities and local health care providers, including private practitioners, are important players in the TB control program [...]
8 Partnerships are necessary at all levels. Everyone has a role to play in TB control [...]
9 Make sure everyone knows the goal and is motivated to work towards it [...]
10 Public events are an effective way to reach large numbers of people and create awareness about the program [...]
11 Build on program’s strengths, be proactive, and maintain flexibility [...]
12 An effective program needs a system to monitor, evaluate, and measure progress towards the goal and to communicate results to all levels [...]" (Pages 2-7)