Type of Material: Reports and Studies

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Can Light-touch Enhancements Improve Postpartum Family Planning Use Among First-time Mothers: Findings from small-scale testing of an integrated approach in Tanzania

This report provides an overview of progress and findings from the first phase of the Connect Project which aims to develop approaches to increase first time mothers’ (FTMs’) postpartum family planning  (PPFP) use that can both be feasibly implemented by local and international organizations and, to the extent feasible, sustained by governments without project funding. This report focuses on results from  Tanzania, where Connect “enhances” USAID’s Lishe Endelevu (“sustainable nutrition”) project with light-touch, scalable approaches that aim to address the key barriers to FTMs’ PPFP use.

Source: Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Save the Children International

Date of Publication: March 15, 2023

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Can Light-touch Enhancements Improve Postpartum Family Planning Use Among First-time Mothers: Findings from small-scale testing of an integrated approach in Bangladesh

This report provides an overview of progress and findings from the first phase of the Connect Project which aims to develop approaches to increase first time mothers’ (FTMs’) postpartum family planning  (PPFP) use that can both be feasibly implemented by local and international organizations and, to the extent feasible, sustained by governments without project funding. This report focuses on results from Bangladesh, where Connect is known as Shongzog and “enhances” USAID’s MaMoni Maternal and Newborn Care Strengthening Project (MNCSP) with light-touch, scalable approaches. We use “Shongzog”, which means “the connection” to refer to Connect’s efforts in Bangladesh throughout this document.

Source: Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Save the Children International

Date of Publication: March 15, 2023

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Using artificial intelligence to craft clean air campaigns
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More Trending Topic: Using Big Data for SBC Resources

Using Artificial Intelligence to Craft Clear Air Campaigns

This article looks into the use of artificial intelligence in clean-air campaigns in India. Artificial intelligence tools can provide efficient frameworks to design and propagate clean air campaigns for the greatest online reach and effectiveness.

Air pollution causes nearly two million deaths in India every year. As many as 21 out of the 30 most polluted cities in the world are in India. Yet, public outrage and civic action towards air pollution are sporadic and scattered, peaking during Diwali but remaining low-key for the rest of the year.

In light of this trend, Clean Air Fund and Quilt.AI studied the history and impact of 30 major environmental and public health campaigns in India since 2015. We sought to answer some key questions: What makes a campaign effective? What are the communication cues adopted by them? What is the role of timing and semiotics?

Source: India Climate Dialogue

Date of Publication: February 21, 2023

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Big Data in Digital Healthcare
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More Trending Topic: Using Big Data for SBC Resources

Big data in Digital Healthcare: Lessons Learnt and Recommendations for General Practice

The authors of this article propose recommendations for guidelines and regulations of data use in healthcare centering on the creation of a unique global patient ID that can integrate data from a variety of healthcare providers. In addition, they expand upon the topic by discussing potential pitfalls of Big Data such as the lack of diversity in Big Data research, and the security and transparency risks posed by machine learning algorithms.

Source: Asian Development Bank

Date of Publication: February 21, 2023

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More USAID and Breakthrough ACTION R-CEFM Remedial Education Program Learning Documents Resources

USAID and Breakthrough ACTION R-CEFM Remedial Education Program Learning Documents

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Breakthrough ACTION Nepal’s Reducing Child, Early and Forced Marriage (Nepal R-CEFM) Project aims to strengthen the institutional and technical capacity of the Government of Nepal (GON). The project operates in Madhesh Province to design, implement, monitor, evaluate, and coordinate effective social and behavior change (SBC) activities and child protection (CP) system strengthening for reducing CEFM through a community-based, multi-sectoral, data-driven lens.

The following documents focus on R-CEFM project activities designed to increase learning outcomes for adolescent girls (with the inclusion of boys) through non-formal education.

  1. Remedial Education Program Learning in brief
  2. Remedial Education Program Infographic
  3. Quantitative Endline Assessment Report: Baseline and Endline Scores
  4. Qualitative Learning Documentation Report: Remedial Education Classes and Non-formal Approaches Used to Improve Learning Outcomes for Adolescent Girls (with the Inclusion of Boys) in Nepal
  5. Findings from a Most Significant Change assessment following the R-CEFM Project’s remedial education program
  6. Remedial Education Program Presentation

Source: Breakthrough ACTION/Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Date of Publication: February 8, 2023

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Environmental and Behavioral Determinants of Lassa Fever: A qualitative exploration among communities and health care workers in Tonkolili and Kenema districts, Sierra Leone

Local health authorities have classified Lassa fever as a priority zoonotic disease in many sub-Saharan African countries, including Sierra Leone. While much research has been published about Lassa fever, it has primarily focused on clinical diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance. Few studies are available globally on the sociocultural and behavioral drivers of Lassa fever, and particularly from Sierra Leone.

This study— conducted by Breakthrough ACTION, based at Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone One Health Risk Communication Technical Working Group (OHRC TWG)—explored community members’ perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors associated with rodents in general and rats that carry Lassa fever specifically.

Specific research objectives included describing and understanding the following:

  1. The context of Lassa fever in affected communities.
  2. Individual and community norms and behaviors that increase risk and vulnerability for Lassa fever.
  3. Personal experiences with rats during daily living and with Lassa fever sickness.
  4. The level of knowledge and awareness of Lassa fever among community members.
  5. Knowledge of what to do if one suspects that they or someone else has Lassa fever.
  6. Knowledge of ways to prevent Lassa fever among community members.
  7. Individual perceptions of behavioral and other drivers of Lassa fever.

The study results also support the following:

  1. Developing credible sources of information about the risk and transmission of Lassa fever.
  2. Generating findings to serve as a reference point for One Health sectors including the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS), Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and other health agencies working to strengthen sensitization to Lassa fever in the country.
  3. Mitigating potential rumors and misinformation about Lassa fever.
  4. Identifying credible sources and/or developing credible materials to promote behavior change.

This report summarizes key findings on the social and behavioral drivers of Lassa fever in the Kenema and Tonkolili districts of Sierra Leone.

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Date of Publication: February 3, 2023

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Adaptation, Experiences, and Support Needs of Survivors of Ebola Virus Disease in Bombali and Kenema Districts of Sierra Leone: Formative Assessment in Kenema and Bombali Districts
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Adaptation, Experiences, and Support Needs of Survivors of Ebola Virus Disease in Bombali and Kenema Districts of Sierra Leone: Formative Assessment in Kenema and Bombali Districts

After Sierra Leone’s Ebola epidemic, the Government of Sierra Leone, USAID and other partners developed and implemented the Comprehensive Program for Ebola Survivors (CPES) to support access to care and improve livelihoods for survivors of Ebola virus disease (EVD). In spite of these program priorities, EVD survivors in Sierra Leone have reported stigma and discrimination based on their survivor status and fears of transmission of the virus.

A recent outbreak of EVD in Guinea in February 2021 was found to be genetically linked to the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak and may possibly be linked to a latent or relapsed infection linked to an EVD survivor. This potential outbreak origin was reported in local news outlets and spread through some local communities, heightening EVD survivors’ fears of increased stigma and ostracization. Breakthrough ACTION collaborated with the Sierra Leone Public Information, Risk Communication, and Social Mobilization pillar and representatives of the Sierra Leone Association of Ebola Survivors (SLAES) to support Ebola preparedness planning in Sierra Leone.

This qualitative study among EVD survivors in Sierra Leone was based on recommendations from the WHO to increase understanding of how new knowledge about the potential for long-term latent infection and transmission of EVD affects EVD survivors’ perceptions of risk, psychosocial needs, concerns around health and stigma, and relationships with others including health workers. Informal discussion groups among EVD survivors were conducted in Kenema and Bombali districts to elicit information about these themes. The study was approved by the Johns Hopkins University Institutional Review Board and the Sierra Leone Ethics and Scientific Review Council, and was a collaboration between Breakthrough ACTION, the Sierra Leone Public Information, Risk Communication, and Social Mobilization (PIRCSM) pillar, and representatives of the Sierra Leone Association of Ebola Survivors (SLAES). The results may be used to identify information gaps that can be addressed through risk communication interventions to support EVD survivors.

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Date of Publication: February 3, 2023

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Cocreation in Health Workforce Planning
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Cocreation in Health Workforce Planning to Shape the Future of the Health Care System in the Philippines

The need for an updated health workforce national plan for the Philippines was prompted by the passage in July 2019 of landmark legislation on universal health coverage (UHC), which guaranteed UHC for all Filipinos and prescribed complementary reforms in the health care system.

This program case study describes a cocreation process to generate and analyze data on health professions as part of strategic planning to inform the development of a national health workforce master plan for the Philippines. By describing both the process and findings, the study seeks to provide relevant lessons for policymakers, program managers, researchers, and other stakeholders who deal with health workforce issues in low- and middle-income countries.

Date of Publication: January 31, 2023

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More LESSONS LEARNED AND GOOD PRACTICES: COUNTRY-SPECIFIC CASE STUDIES ON IMMUNIZATION ACTIVITIES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Resources

Lessons Learned and Good Practices: Country-Specific Case Studies on Immunization Activities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The methodology for this report included a literature review of available documentation and research, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with UNICEF country and regional offices and partners. The process led to a series of six case studies, which describe predominantly positive campaign experiences, documenting lessons and good practices that can inform future immunization programs carried out during COVID-19 or similar circumstances.

Source: UNICEF

Date of Publication: January 18, 2023

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More Afghan Safe Migration Resources

Afghan Safe Migration

Afghans engage in migration through irregular means due to a multiplicity of factors such as the continued and worsening security and economic situation in Afghanistan, lack of rights, high unemployment, and environmental hazards.

The Afghan Safe Migration project supported Afghan diaspora organizations in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands to deliver protection information based on the needs among potential and current migrants from Afghanistan.

The required information was determined through research and data collection, including in-depth consultations with Afghan diaspora groups in Europe, migrants en route, prospective migrants, and returnees in Afghanistan. The capacity of Afghan diaspora organizations engaged in providing protection information was increased, and networks were established, to ensure targeted messages and information on protection assistance in English, Farsi/Dari, and Pashto to strengthen safe and protective migration environments for vulnerable people from Afghanistan.

Visit the “Safe Migration Information for Afghans” web page for more information.

Source: Danish Refugee Council

Date of Publication: January 12, 2023

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