Perception, Capacity and Role of Frontline Workers as Communicators for the Animal Health Aspect of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

This project uses interpersonal communication to equip the agricultural sector with communication skills to promote behaviours associated with timely reporting of animal diseases, improved bio-security in poultry farming, and safe poultry handling practices in slaughtering, transport, and marketing. The agriculture sector is also contributing to efforts to communicate human health risks (particularly to farmers and their families), under health sector guidance.

Research was used as a tool to assess the nature of the work of veterinarians, para-veterinarians, and frontline agricultural workers during their field visits to households, etc., as well as their capacity to function as communicators in conveying messages and generating an understanding of prevention and control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) among poultry raisers and farmers. The rapid assessment was conducted through semi-structured in-depth interviews and focused group discussions (FGDs) involving 120 men and women (30 from each of the following provinces: Ha Tay Province, Lang Son, Ben Tre, and Dong Thap).

Based on the information obtained from this rapid assessment, FAO Vietnam then created a set of sample printed materials, revising these materials on the basis of the results of the pre-test. In partnership with the Department of Animal Health (DAH) and Sub Department of Animal Health (SDAH), FAO Vietnam then produced 1,500 sets of the communication tools (flipcharts and information sheets) for distribution in the aforementioned provinces. FAO Vietnam also prepared a 2008 calendar with avian influenza messages in order to reach animal and human health workers at the provincial, district, commune, and village levels.

Face-to-face communication was also used to ensure that farmers and their families are reminded and better informed about the risk factors associated with HPAI, with the hope of bringing about behaviour change to minimise risks associated with the raising of poultry and HPAI. Organisers are providing trainings/briefings to veterinarians, para-veterinarians, and frontline agricultural workers.

Natural Resource Management, Health.

According to FAO, Viet Nam was one of the first countries severely affected by the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) epidemic: Nearly all parts of the country were affected in the first wave of the epidemic which occurred during the end of 2003 to early 2004. As of early 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) had confirmed 95 human cases and 42 deaths in the country. In the outbreaks of HPAI that began in December 2006, 28 provinces in the country were affected, with more than 150 outbreaks reported; over 200,000 poultry died or had been culled.