Module Overview

Communication and cooperation between human health care providers, public health professionals, and veterinarians is important to better address issues of emerging diseases and environmental change. Communication is central to our everyday ideas about what makes life worth living and is necessary in all aspects of human endeavor. In many communication situations, people simultaneously act as the source and receiver of information. Effective communication in One Health is essential because it equips the public with the tools and knowledge to respond appropriately to health crises such as diseases transmitted from animals to humans and humans to animals.

This Training Module will look at the differences in the way people communicate and demonstrate the role of information technology (IT) in preventing and responding to emerging pandemic threats. The module will allow the participants to explore different communication strategies and the risks of trans-boundary communication. It will equip them with ways of collecting, synthesising and disseminating information.

OHCEA network recognises that effective communication strategy can improve human, animal and ecosystem health. It also recognises the role of IT in addressing health risks.

Goals of the Training

By the end of the training, participants should be able to:

  1. understand One Health principles and communication.
  2. understand the need for contextual communication strategies.
  3. appreciate the concepts and process of risk and trans-boundary communication during disease surveillance.
  4. know how to use different communication platforms, computer software and IT systems with an understanding of changing media trends.
  5. know the process of collection, synthesis and dissemination of information to various audiences.
  6. become transformative agents by promoting gender equality and equity in all aspects of their work and sharing this information with others.

One Health Communication Facilitator Guide