COVID-19 awareness campaign: Learning from challenges to prepare for the next public health emergency
Creators: name: Schmidt, Cliff
name: Gumah Tiah
name: Zook, Lisa
name: Inclan, Erin
Publisher: name: Gates Open Research
Year: 2020

description: In April 2020, Literacy Bridge Ghana (LBG) and Ghana Health Service launched a public health campaign in eight vulnerable districts in the Upper West Region. Community health nurses and volunteers are using an innovative digital technology, the Amplio Talking Book audio device, to share consistent and accurate information on COVID-19. So far, LBG has put three content deployments into the field. The urgency to disseminate information precluded a randomized control trial. But what we've learn from the project’s successes and failures will inform our next emergency response and future public health partnerships. <br> <br> For our poster, Amplio uses a journey map to track our challenges and short-term solutions, as well as long-term, technology-based solutions for future Talking Book programs.<br> <br> MORE DETAILS <br> Through a partnership with Ghana Health Service (GHS), community health nurses (CHNs) and volunteers (CHVs) are using the Amplio Talking Book audio device to share consistent and accurate health messaging on COVID-19 in the Upper West Region. Launched in April, the COVID-19 awareness campaign is being implemented in 8 vulnerable districts near the Burkina Faso border.<br> <br> THE CHALLENGE<br> Even in the best of times, Ghana’s under-resourced public health system struggles to provide basic health education and services. In the Upper West Region, remoteness, lack of infrastructure, low literacy, locally spoken languages, and limited access to mass media area barriers to reaching and sharing information with rural communities. The pandemic has put even more pressure on community health workers. <br> <br> OUR SOLUTION<br> To address the crisis, Amplio and its affiliate, Literacy Bridge Ghana (LBG) leveraged existing relationships with Ghana Health Service (GHS), UNICEF Ghana, and local stakeholders to launch a rapid response using the Amplio Talking Book audio device to disseminate timely and accurate health information on COVID-19. Led by LBG, this is the main intervention reaching communities. The team built on the success of previous Talking Book programs in the region, including a Talking Book pilot conducted at 5 Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) centers in 2019 and UNICEF Ghana’s Communications for Development program (2013-2019). <br> <br> With the rugged, easy-to-use Amplio Talking Book device, nurses and volunteers can share local language information across multiple topics. The device has a built-in speaker, so families and groups can listen and learn together. A built-in microphone allows listeners to record their feedback. Amplio’s technology makes it easy to update content and collect usage data in the field in areas there’s no electricity or internet. <br> <br> DEPLOYMENT MODEL<br> Talking Books were distributed to 207 CHPS centers and 5 community health volunteers (CHVs) per district (40 total). Community health nurses (CHNs) use Talking Books to conduct group listening sessions during antenatal care visits and child welfare clinics. CHVs play Talking Book messages during household visits. The team also connected Talking Books to external loudspeakers to broadcast messages and ensure social distance and reach more people at lorry stations and in the markets. <br> <br> For this project, the content was produced by LBG in consultation with Ghana Health Service, using source material from government, WHO, and John Hopkins. Messages were recorded in 4 languages, enabling health workers to share accurate information in each community’s local language. <br> <br> The first content deployment (April-June) included expert interviews about coronavirus and government protocols, songs and dramas on symptoms, protection, and common myths, and endorsements from district health directors and religious and traditional leaders. In July, a second deployment addressed emerging community issues and concerns, including COVID-19 stigmatization, proper use of face masks, compliance with social distancing, and domestic violence and mental health issues. Deployment three included messaging on maternal and child health, livelihood development, and mental well-being.<br> <br> Usage data has shown that endorsement messages are among the most played, highlighting the importance of the project’s multi-stakeholder approach. A high rate of turnover among CHNs at the CHPS centers has highlighted a need for ongoing training and capacity building. <br> <br> LEARNING/IMPACT<br> Amplio and LBG leveraged existing local stakeholder relationships in Northern Ghana and a uniquely suited digital technology for rapid response during a pandemic. Our poster shares some of the challenges and lessons learned from using Talking Books to help under-resourced, frontline health workers provide access to timely and culturally relevant health information during a frightening and evolving situation. <br> <br> FUTURE SOLUTIONS<br> Amplio is launching a suite of online products and tools to help partners more easily launch and run their own Talking Book programs. An online learning portal with lessons and job aids will streamline training and build capacity for capacity for onboarding new staff. In addition, Amplio will soon release the Talking Book 2.0 that includes a rechargeable battery to reduce cost and waste. These enhancements will help Amplio’s partners more swiftly and effectively respond to future public health emergencies.