Post-Earthquake Communications Plan

Nepal, May – October 2015

National Health Education Information and Communication Centre

Ministry of Health and Population

CONTEXT

1. Purpose .......................................................................................................................................... 1

2. Context analysis ............................................................................................................................. 1

3. Needs analysis ............................................................................................................................... 1

4. Stakeholder/audience analysis .................................................................................................... 2

5. Communication objective ............................................................................................................. 3

6. Strategic approaches ..................................................................................................................... 3

6.1. Establish coordination mechanism ........................................................................................... 3

6.2. Capacity building .......................................................................................................................... 4

6.3. Community mobilization/engagement ........................................................................................ 5

6.4 Mass media - TV, radio (community/FM) and print ..................................................................... 5

6.5. Utilizing social media and other platforms (Facebook, U-Report, SMS, etc.) .............................. 5

7. Proposed activity ........................................................................................................................... 5

8. Monitoring and evaluation: .......................................................................................................... 6

9. Timeframe: ..................................................................................................................................... 7

Annexes: ................................................................................................................................................. 8

1. Working group members: ............................................................................................................ 8

2. Abbreviations: ............................................................................................................................... 8

3. Implementation plan: ................................................................................................................. 10

3.1 Implementation plan for coordination, capacity building and community mobilization 10

3.2 Implementation plan for mass media .................................................................................. 13

3.3 Implementation plan for IEC material development .......................................................... 15

4. Monitoring/reporting form: ...................................................................................................... 17

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1. Purpose

To communicate health risks with communities directly affected by the earthquake in 14

priority districts by focusing on interpersonal communications, dissemination of information,

and community mobilization through community volunteers, including frontline health workers

and civil society organizations for the immediate six month period May-October 2015.

2. Context analysis

Two earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.3 in magnitude struck Nepal on 25 April 2015 and 12

May 2015, causing large scale destruction, deaths and injuries across the country. The National

Emergency Operation Centre estimates that more than 5.6 million people have been affected, of

whom 2.8 million are displaced. As of 19 May 2015, 16,808 injuries and 8,617 deaths have been

reported.

The government has declared 14 districts as most affected: Bhaktapur, Dhading, Dolakha,

Gorkha, Kathmandu, Kavre, Lalitpur, Makwanpur, Nuwakot, Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap, Rasuwa,

Sindhuli and Sindhupalchok. More than 900 health facilities, predominantly village health posts,

have been assessed by the MoHP as totally or partially damaged in the affected districts.

The National Health Education, Information and Communication Centre (NHEICC) of the

Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has been actively disseminating public information

through mass media since the day of the first earthquake. Press conferences are regularly held

and press releases widely disseminated to the media (radio, TV, and newspaper) with wide

pick-up on a daily basis.

Common messages are being standardized by the Communications with Communities (CwC)

cluster based on existing health messages and these are endorsed by NHEICC/MoHP before

dissemination.

3. Needs analysis

It is of utmost urgency to communicate health risks to populations affected by the earthquake in

the 14 priority districts, especially with the arrival of the monsoon season in less than a few

weeks’ time.

Collapse of basic infrastructure, displacement of communities and disruption of livelihoods can

exacerbate public health problems. Crowded living conditions, limited quantities of safe water,

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inadequate hygiene and toilet facilities, and unsafe practices in handling and preparing food are

all associated with disease transmission.

With 2.8 million people displaced, and many living in crowded temporary shelters with

compromised hygiene and sanitary conditions, there is heightened concern about the increase

in communicable diseases. .

Effective communication through community engagement, promotion of hygiene, sanitation and

desired behaviours for prevention of diseases needs to be in place as soon as possible, in order

to mitigate and minimize the health impacts of the emergency.

4. Stakeholder/audience analysis

Level Audience Channel of

communication

Primary audience Affected population in 14 severely affected districts IPC, mass media, community mobilization

Secondary audience

Female community health volunteers (FCHV), health workers, DHO, VDC leaders, NGOs, volunteers at district and sub-district levels, teachers, other CSOs

IPC, mass media, community mobilization, capacity development

Tertiary audience Policy makers, concerned government officers, national/international media, donor community

Mass media

TertiaryPolicy makers, MoHP, media

SecondaryFCHVs, volunteers,

HWs, DHO, VDC leaders, NGOs, CSOs

Primary:

Affected population in 14

severely affected districts

FIGURE 1. AUDIENCE ANALYSIS

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5. Communication objective

In order to prevent possible outbreaks of infectious diseases, disability and exacerbation of

public health problems, the communications plan intends to reach communities in selected

districts to:

COMMUNICATE health risks among affected populations and actions to be taken to

avoid and prevent diseases

ENCOURAGE affected communities to practice key health/nutrition/WASH

behaviours

MOBILIZE frontline workers, community networks and resources to reach affected

populations

ADVOCATE with district disaster response teams to prioritize health

communications in post-earthquake response

6. Strategic approaches

6.1. Establish coordination mechanism

Communications coordination is critical to ensuring that all activities, materials and messages

are planned and implemented at all levels of the response. At national level, NHEICC will take

the lead to coordinate different activities carried out by partners, to avoid duplication of efforts

and ensure consistency in messaging. At district level, district health education technicians will

act as focal points to coordinate district level communication activities, as well as organize

district specific training/orientation for service providers, social mobilizers and volunteers.

DHO/DPHO will provide general guidance to district health education technicians for aligning

activities with ongoing health interventions. District level partners are required to

report/coordinate with district health education technician for their activities in the district.

Figure 2. (below) illustrates information flow between NHEICC, regional health directorates,

district level health education technicians, primary health care centers and health posts and sub

posts. It also shows at which levels partners are engaged.

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FIGURE 2. INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK FLOW

6.2. Capacity building

Capacity building and strengthening of various stakeholders working in the response is

required, in order to effectively implement the overall communications plan. This area of work

will focus on strengthening interpersonal communications capacity and providing orientation

for FCHVs, health workers, social mobilizers, NGO, community groups and those from the

private sector, who will deliver key messages. At central level, NHEICC, together with partners,

will develop a standardized orientation package for social mobilizers and service providers. At

district level, district health education technicians under DHO/DPHO guidance will organize

district level capacity building sessions to ensure the consistency of message and approach.

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6.3. Community mobilization/engagement

Community mobilization is one of the most effective ways in reaching out to the affected

communities. This can be done through mobilizing community leaders and conducting

interpersonal communication sessions. District health education technicians under DHO/DPHO

guidance will supervise district specific community mobilization/engagement activities.

6.4 Mass media - TV, radio (community/FM) and print

Dissemination of information through the mass media, including TV, community and FM radio,

and print media, has been one of the main and most effective ways of reaching affected

communities thus far. Updates are provided to the media on a regular basis. TV and radio spots

have proved useful in raising community awareness of issues.

6.5. Utilizing social media and other platforms (Facebook, U-Report, SMS, etc.)

With significant damage to media infrastructure, mobile phone messaging (SMS), social media

(Facebook, YouTube, Twitter) and wall-painting (where permissible) approaches will be used

for communicating and engaging with affected communities. Messages will complement

traditional media messages. U-Report, an SMS based system will be used to mobilize youth to

disseminate key messages and to receive real-time feedback from the field, which will help in

refining messages and response activities.

7. Proposed activity

Strategic channel

Activity National/ district/

community

Establish coordination mechanism

NHEICC as representative of the MoHP will coordinate with the district level health offices (DHO/DPHO) in implementing the plan

National/ district

MoHP, NHEICC with partners to convene regular meetings to coordinate communications activities among stakeholders

National

Establish district level communications coordination mechanism under DHO/DPHO (district health education technician will be focal person)

District

Endorse ready-to-use key health, WASH, and nutrition messages/materials

National

Conduct mapping exercise on stakeholders working in health communications

National/ district

Utilize other existing communications groups/networks National/ district

Capacity building

Prepare orientation package for frontline workers and social mobilizers

National

Conduct orientation for frontline workers and social mobilizers at the district level including NGO partners

District

Conduct media orientation at national and district level on public health issue relating to post earthquake

National/ District

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situation

Community mobilization

Mobilize existing frontline workers (FCHVs, HWs, NGOs, CSOs, private sector) to disseminate/orient key health/wellbeing messages to communities

District/ Community

Linking communities in need to specific services District/ Community

Engaging communities in the health response District/ Community

Mobilize youth volunteers to provide key health/wellbeing messages at community level

District/ Community

Mobilize community leaders to influence community on key health behaviours

District/ community

Mobilize public health students to educate affected families and communities

National/ district

Identify/map existing social mobilization networks at district level

district

Mass media (TV, radio/FM, print)

Dissemination of information through existing radio programs (SSMK, Bhanchhin Aama, etc.)

National

Publication of public notices from MoHP National Production of mass media materials National Development and distribution of IEC materials National Development and dissemination of key messages through PSAs

National

Provide psychosocial counselling through daily radio program for affected populations (Bhandai sundai)

National

Air radio/FM interaction program including Q&A session and audience feedback

National

Provide regular update to journalists National Utilizing social media and other platforms (Facebook, SMS, etc.)

Use social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, websites) to disseminate messages and receive feedback

National

8. Monitoring and evaluation:

A regular process monitoring and feedback mechanism will be established through district

health education technician and partners. The district health education technician will report

communication/social mobilization activities in the district through daily reporting form (annex

4-1) to Health Emergency Operation Center, MoHP. Partner organizations in the district will

regularly report their social mobilization activities according to the partner reporting form

(annex 4-2) in discussion with health education technician. For day-to-day monitoring, social

mobilizers are recommended to use a standardized reporting form (annex 4-3) for consistency

of data. In addition, bi-monthly meetings among partners in the district may be hosted by the

district health technician to monitor progress and coordinate activities.

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The Communications with Communities Working Group is currently establishing a framework

for monitoring and evaluation of post-earthquake community messaging. Quantification of

messages disseminated and platforms utilized, and evaluation of community knowledge,

attitudes and practices (KAP), will help determine health message effectiveness. Messages will

be tested before dissemination.

The results from the monitoring will guide stakeholders to revise approaches, channels, and key

messages. Rapid assessment and documentation will be carried out every three months to

measure the changes in knowledge, attitude and practices.

9. Timeframe:

This operational plan addresses immediate communications needs for the initial 6 months

period from May to October, 2015.

Activity Timeline

May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Establish coordination mechanism Develop and distribute IEC materials Develop and air public service announcement through TV, radio, newspaper

Develop orientation package for frontline workers and social mobilizers

Conduct capacity building sessions at district and sub-district levels

Produce and air radio program (psychosocial counselling and edu-entertainment)

Mobilize community network and social mobilizer at district and below district level

Utilizing social media platform Assessment, monitoring and evaluation

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Annexes:

1. Working group members:

S.N. Name of organization Name of WG member

1 NHEICC

Sunil Raj Sharma

Badri Bahadur Khadka

Kunj Joshi

2 Health for Life Khemraj Shrestha

3 Health Communication Capacity

Collaborative, Johns Hopkins University

Pranab Rajbhandari

Ron Hess

4 Save the Children Srijana Sharma

5 Suaahara Dipak Raj Sharma

Shreejana K.C.

6 United Nations Children’s Fund

Deepa Risal Pokharel

Hyung Joon Kim

Sanju Bhattarai

7 World Health Organization

Dr Prakash Ghimire

Aphaluck Bhatiasevi

Joseph Swan

Shamila Sharma

Kriti Bhattarai

2. Abbreviations:

CSO Civil Society Organizations

CwC Communicating with Communities cluster

DHO District Health Office

DPHO District Public Health Office

FCHV Female Community Health Volunteers

HW Health Workers

IPC Inter-personal communications

MoHP Ministry of Health and Population

Q&A Questions and Answers

NHEICC National Health Education, Information and Communication Centre

PSA Public service announcements

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SMS Short Messages (mobile phone)

SSMK Sathi Sanga Manka Kura

VDC Village Development Committee

UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund

WASH Water and Sanitation Cluster

WHO World Health Organization

MIYCN Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition

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3. Implementation plan:

3.1 Implementation plan for coordination, capacity building and community mobilization

Strategic approach

Activity Theme (health/nutrition/WASH)

National/District/Community level

District Name Responsible Organization

Establish coordination mechanism

Convene regular meetings to coordinate major stakeholders working in health communications with affected communities

National NHEICC/WHO

Develop comprehensive post-earthquake response communication plan

National NHEICC/ Communication Working Group

Develop district specific post-earthquake communications plan

District NHEICC/DPHO

Develop comprehensive booklet on key behaviour results

National NHEICC/ UNICEF

Develop materials for frontline health workers/volunteers

National NHEICC/ WHO/ UNICEF

Develop sector specific IEC brochure/poster/flex banner

National NHEICC/ UNICEF

Field test communications materials prior to finalizing plan

National/District/Community

NHEICC/ WHO/ UNICEF

Establish health information corner at district level

District NHEICC

Provision of regular reports/updates/feedback/concerns from the field

Community/District/National

DPHO/volunteers

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Coordinate activities through DHO, health education focal person, family planning focal person

District Rasuwa, Dhading HC3

Support placement of media liaison officer in each district to help coordinate public feedback with the local FM radio stations

WASH, Health (RH, MNCH)

District Rasuwa, Dhading NHEICC/ HC3

Capacity building

Develop one day orientation package on interpersonal communication skills, technical content and community outreach approaches

Health, nutrition, protection, education

National NHEICC/ WHO/ UNICEF

Conduct a ToT for communications focal persons from the district health office, NGOs and volunteers who will orientate outreach teams at the district and community levels

Health, nutrition, protection, education

District NHEICC/ WHO/ UNICEF

Support Interpersonal Communication orientation for temporary hired health workers, referral agents

WASH, Health (RH, MNCH)

District Rasuwa, Dhading NHEICC/ HC3

Community mobilization

Conduct community level health education session on health/nutrition/WASH behaviours through local NGOs

Health/nutrition/WASH

District/ Community

11 districts (Ramechap, Sinduli, Dolakha, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Sindhupalchwok, Kavrepalanchwok, Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot, Gorkha)

UNICEF/ Nepal Public Health Foundation (NPHF)

Mobilize youth clubs to influence community to practice key health and well-being behaviours

Health/nutrition/WASH/protection, education

District/ Community

12 districts (Ramechap, Sinduli, Dolakha, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Sindhupalchwok, Kavrepalanchwok, Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot, Gorkha)

UNICEF/Yuwalaya

Mobilize Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) network for hygiene promotion

Health/nutrition/WASH/protection, education

District/ Community

6 districts (Gorkha, Dhading, Nuwakot, Kavre, Sindhupalchowk, Kathmandu)

UNICEF/NRCS

12

Establish health education corner in camp

WASH, Health (RH, MNCH)

District Rasuwa NHEICC, HC3

Health education corner in health facilities in VDCs

WASH, Health (RH, MNCH)

District/ VDCs Rasuwa, Dhading NHEICC, HC3

Outreach - face to face interactions, group interactions for RH MNCH activities, referrals health communication

WASH, Health (RH, MNCH)

District/VDCs /Camps

Rasuwa, Dhading NHEICC, HC3

Placement of local outreach referral agents for health communication in hard to reach wards of hard to reach VDCs

WASH, Health (RH, MNCH)

District/VDCs Rasuwa, Dhading NHEICC, HC3

Support emergency health workers hired by DHO to reach hard to reach VDCs

Health District/VDCs Dhading DHO/other stakeholders, including HC3 and WHO

Distribution of post disaster print IEC materials

WASH, RH MNCH - Health

District/VDCs/ Camps

Rasuwa, Dhading Save the Children

Establish Mother Baby Areas (MBA) including counselling

Health/WASH/ Nutrition

District / Community

Rasuwa, Sindupalchok, Dolkha, Gorkha, Nuwakot, Lamjung, Plapa, Syagja, Nawalparashi, Parwat

Suaahara

Cooking Demonstration in MBA MIYCN District / Community

Rasuwa, Sindupalchok, Dolkha, Gorkha, Nuwakot, Lamjung, Plapa, Syagja, Nawalparashi, Parwat

Suaahara

Utilizing social media and other platforms (FB, SMS, etc)

Use SMS to collect health related questions from the community

Health/WASH/ Nutrition

Community 10 districts (Rasuwa, Sindupalchok, Dolkha, Gorkha, Nuwakot, Lamjung, Plapa, Syagja, Nawalparashi, Parwat)

Suaahara

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Continue Toll Free Numbers of Bhanchhin Aama

Health/WASH/ Nutrition

Community 10 districts (Rasuwa, Sindupalchok, Dolkha, Gorkha, Nuwakot, Lamjung, Plapa, Syagja, Nawalparashi, Parwat)

Suaahara

3.2 Implementation plan for mass media

Strategic approach

Activity TV / Radio / newspaper

National /district

level District name

Responsible organization

Mass media (TV, radio/FM)

Provide regular briefing to media on post-earthquake health risks and mitigation measures

National NHEICC/ WHO / UNICEF

Earthquake response radio programme for youth and adolescents in Nepali, Newari and Tamang

Radio National/District All affected districts

UNICEF/ Equal Access

Airing of public service announcements on various health, hygiene and sanitation issues

TV, radio, newspaper

National All affected districts

NHEICC/ UNICEF

Publication of newspaper adverts on various health, hygiene and sanitation issues

Newspaper National All affected districts

NHEICC/ UNICEF

Radio programme covering various health, well-being, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation and psychosocial counselling issues through "Bhandai-Sundai radio programme

Radio National/District All affected districts

UNICEF/ Radio Nepal

Develop radio PSAs (if needed) Radio National/District All affected districts

UNICEF/ Radio Nepal

Air key messages through Radio Nepal, Kantipur FM and Local FMs in affected district FMs (10 times/ day)

Local FMs National, District 14 affected districts: Gorkha, Sindhupalchok, Dhading, Kavre, Dolakha, Nuwakot, Ramechap, Sindhuli, Rasuwa, Kathmandu,

NHEICC/ HC3

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Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Makwanpur and Okhaldhunga and National through Radio Nepal

Produce, Air Hello Bhanchin Aama Special Editions

Radio Nepal, Local FMs

National, District 11 districts (Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Gorkha, Rasuwa, Dhading, Lamjung, Nuwakot, Syangja, Palpa, Parbat, Nawalparasi) and National through Radio Nepal

NHEICC/ HC3

Airing of Bhanchhin Aama earthquake special (15 minutes question and answer program) from FMs selected for III phase Bhanchhin Aama radio program.

Radio National/District 10 districts (Sindupalchok, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dolkha, Gorkha, lamlung, Parwat, Syangja, Palpa and Nawalparashi)

Suaahara

Airing of Radio notice (8 different notices at prime time) in hard-hit districts.All FM stations available in districts

Radio District 10 districts (Sindupalchok, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dolkha, Gorkha, lamlung, Parwat, Syangja, Palpa and

Suaahara

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Nawalparashi)

Airing PSA Radio District Nuwakot, Rasuwa

Save the Children

3.3 Implementation plan for IEC material development

Strategic approach

List of material

Type (brochure,

flex banner, poster)

Contents Responsible organization

Development of IEC materials

Water purification, Hygiene and Sanitation Poster WASH NHEICC/ UNICEF

Menstrual Management Poster Health NHEICC/ UNICEF

Stress Management (children and adolescents) Poster Health NHEICC/ UNICEF

Stress Management (parents and caregivers) Poster Health NHEICC/ UNICEF

Water borne diseases Brochure WASH NHEICC/ UNICEF

Measles-rubella Brochure Health NHEICC/ UNICEF

Water purification methods Brochure WASH NHEICC/ UNICEF

Trafficking and kidnap (immigration and transport worker) Flyer Protection NHEICC/ UNICEF

Trafficking and kidnap (social workers, volunteers and NGOs/CBOs)

Flyer Protection NHEICC/ UNICEF

Aqua tabs Flyer WASH NHEICC/ UNICEF

Water purification methods Flex banner WASH NHEICC/ UNICEF

Stress Management Flex banner Health NHEICC/ UNICEF

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Comprehensive booklet (Health, hygiene, sanitation, protection and back to school)

Booklet All areas (health, hygiene, sanitation, protection and back to school)

NHEICC/ UNICEF

Nutrition (breastfeeding and complementary feeding) Poster Nutrition NHEICC/ UNICEF

Health (safe motherhood and new born care) Poster Health NHEICC/ UNICEF

Health (childhood illness) Poster Health NHEICC/ UNICEF

Education (back to school) Poster Education NHEICC/ UNICEF

Job Aid (low birth weight care) Job Aid Low birth weight care NHEICC/ Save the Children

MIYCN Job aid MIYCN NHIECC/ Suaahara

WASH and breastfeeding Poster (flex) WASH and breastfeeding NHIECC/ Suaahara

Breastfeeding, feeding sick children and responsive feeding Instructional videos

Breastfeeding, feeding sick child and responsive feeding

NHEICC/Suaahara

Post-earthquake health risks during the monsoon season Flip charts FCHVs NHEICC/WHO

Post-earthquake health risks during the monsoon season Flex banners Medical Camp Kit, district hospitals and health posts

NHEICC/WHO

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4. Monitoring/reporting form: 4.1. Daily reporting form for Health Emergency Operation Center, MoHP (submitted by district health education technician)

S.N

Name of village/town

ACTIVITY DETAILS

Number of households/shelter

s reached

Major communications needs/concerns

Type of IEC message /material provided

Topic of IEC message/ materials provided

Produced by which agency/ organization

Distributed/ broadcasted by which agency/ organization

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

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4.2. Reporting form for partner organization at district level (submitted by partner organizations)

S.N. Information 1

Organization information

Organization name 2 Focal person name

3 Focal person contact (phone/email) Phone: Email:

4 How many social mobilizers are working with your organization?

5 In which VDCs is your organization

working?

6 What kind of topic do you promote? ㅁ Health ㅁ WASH ㅁ Nutrition ㅁ others ( )

7 What kind of IEC material do you use? ㅁ pamphlet ㅁ Poster ㅁ flip chart ㅁ others ( )

8 Do you air messages through FM? If

so, what is the topic? ㅁ Health ㅁ WASH ㅁ Nutrition ㅁ others ( )

9 What other activities are you

conducting?

10

Activity details

Type of IEC message/material provided

ㅁ pamphlet ㅁ Poster ㅁ flip chart ㅁ others ( )

11 Topic of IEC message/ materials provided ㅁ Health ㅁ WASH ㅁ Nutrition ㅁ others ( )

12 Produced by which agency/ organization

13 Distributed/ broadcasted by which

agency/ organization

14 Number of population reached

15 Major communications needs/concerns