HEALTH sector stakeholders met yesterday, at the start of a three-day workshop, with the aim of developing an operational communication plan (OCP) to make people aware of the H1N1 virus.

Facilitator of yesterday’s workshop, Ms. Deborah Freitas Lopez.

The establishment of a Health Communication Department within the Ministry of Health is also expected to be another focus of the forum at Grand Coastal Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.

The organisers hope that accomplishment will place the Health Sector in a better position to not only develop the detailed outline of the OCP but also ensure it addresses the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) strategy.

The participants are tasked, as well, to produce a draft work plan for the Communications Sub-Committee and review the Risk Communication Plan for coping with the threat of and possible outbreaks of Avian Influenza and the Human Pandemic Influenza.

With regard to the latter, the sector would be able to identify the lessons learned and best practices in communication, based on events in Guyana related to Influenza A (H1N1) and make recommendations.

In that context, the Health Ministry will work in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Preparedness Communications Sub-Committee, which includes representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture, Education, Local Government and Regional Development and Tourism Industry and Commerce.

Some of the stakeholders at yesterday’s workshop. (Sonell Nelson photo)

Other agencies involved are Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Red Cross Guyana, regional and private hospitals, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), University of Guyana (UG), Regional Health Authorities and international experts from Links Media.

FACILITATING
The last, a U.S. company providing communication leadership and expertise on behalf of USAID, is facilitating the workshop.

Ms. Deborah Freitas Lopez, Director of Integrated Marketing Communication at Links Media said the forum is the beginning of a long term relationship.

She said the end of the three days will see the completion of a draft plan for the National Preparedness Communication Sub-Committee, a tool which will be useful across the board.

Lopez underscored the need for participants to contribute to making their deliberations as effective and productive as possible.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud agreed that the OCP will, ultimately, lead to the delivery of better quality health care.

“From when the H1N1 virus emerged, everyone recognised the importance of communicating information. H1N1 has the potential for widespread panic and is the kind of issue that can cause much social distress. This workshop is a result of a long engagement,” he said.

According to the Health Ministry, the paradigm shift in communication will make health the business of each citizen, by empowering them through increased awareness.

Apart from making Guyanese aware of the H1N1, the development of an OCP will provide a platform from where similar issues can be addressed.

Once developed, the OCP will undertake a comprehensive set of communication activities which will be used before, during and after possible outbreaks of pandemic influenza.

Messages within the plan will cover high risk behaviours for contracting influenza, practical preventative measures and information on how to recognise, respond and treat the disease in humans.