Behavior Change Communication
NetWorks is working to lead the way on global policy for behavior change communication, building the evidence base for the impact of BCC for malaria control and prevention, and implementing activities in the field to close the gap between ownership and use. In 2011 NetWorks facilitated an expert consultation meeting for Roll Back Malaria to examine ways that the malaria BCC community can ensure high quality BCC activities are well-described in countries' global fund applications. The meeting brought together PSI, AED, URC, UNICEF, ALMA, RBM and other experts in Global Fund assistance. Two deliverables resulted from the meeting: a brief note on the impact and contribution of BCC to malaria control, included as part of Global Fund Round 11 Guidance, and an on-going guide to conducting monitoring and evaluation of BCC activities, including a set of sample indicators.
NetWorks completed research on the impact of Hang-Up activities on net use in Uganda, and in Senegal where we are evaluating the contribution of IEC/BCC to participation in the campaign and on net use during Phase I of the universal coverage distribution. In Tanzania NetWorks led research on the types of messages that may be relevant when transmission of malaria falls, and implemented a study to look at the impact of Tanzania's coordinated BCC campaign on preventive behaviors. In-depth analysis of recent surveys in Libera, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania and Nigeria has provided insights into the factors that determine whether nets are used.
In Senegal, we are leading BCC activities for the universal coverage distribution; training and providing job aids to UC volunteers, producing and disseminating radio and television spots on LLIN use, and developing a net care and repair toolkit.
In 2012 NetWorks will be piloting an intervention in Nigeria that aims to improve behaviors related to care and repair of nets, as well as adaptation of nets to better fit household and user preferences. An evaluation of the intervention is planned as part of an on-going study that examines how LLINs age within households, and will shed light on how much longer 'useful net life' could be prolonged with an effective BCC intervention. The project continues to work on M & E of BCC activities, using rigorous statistical methodologies to help calculate the value of investments in BCC.
LLIN Care and Repair
NetWorks is currently compiling a Net Care and Repair Toolkit. The toolkit will contain key messages and samples of materials, as well as recent research into net durability.
Literature Review: Collection of abstracts related to net durability, washing, care and repair, and a survey on use by households.
Nigeria Materials: Posters from Kano and Enugu State distribution campaigns, 2009-2010.
Senegal Materials: Flyers and pamphlets from universal coverage activities in four southern regions of Senegal, July 2010.
Tanzania Materials: Photos and flyer for Hang Up campaign, 2010.
Brochure: English
Photos: Tucking in LLIN and Mending LLIN
Uganda Materials: Poster/job-aid for net care and repair, 2010.
