Linking policy with technology : role of mobile communications technology in polio eradication initiative in northern Nigeria
Document type: mthesis
Download file(s):
338391 (1379 KB)
Abstract:
The polio virus is a highly infectious agent that invades the nervous system and can cause Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) or in some cases, death in mostly children under 5 years. As at 1988, over 350,000 children were being paralyzed annually by polio infection worldwide. The introduction of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988 reduced the annual polio cases by 99% worldwide the following year through immunization by polio vaccines. Nigeria is one of the four polio endemic countries, with the north serving as main reservoir of the virus. This literature review examines the factors that influence the polio eradication in northern Nigeria and ongoing communication interventions. It also examines the role of mobile telecommunications in health in developing countries including northern Nigeria. Findings show that communication strategies in northern Nigeria have helped to improve vaccination coverage, by mobilizing religious and cultural leaders, improving political will, individual and community-level demand, increasing knowledge and reaching out to the poorest and marginalized population. There is however a need to strengthen current communication strategies at the community and individual levels in order to sustain demand for OPV in underserved communities. Analysis of mobile communication in developing countries including Nigeria revealed that there is rapid penetration of the technology even in hard-to-reach areas. However, available evidence linking the technology to health and disease prevention is still anecdotal and limited. It is hoped that findings from this study will provide perspectives for the Nigeria government and organizations involved in polio eradication in partnership with mobile telecommunication providers to research innovative application of mobile communications technology in polio eradication.
Authors:
Adoghe, A.
Country:
Nigeria
Category:
Research
Department:
Development, Policy and Practice
Institute:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Keywords:
health services
,
disease prevention and control
,
information and communication technologies
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Organization:
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
PAGE:
ix, 57
Place:
Amsterdam
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2011
Region:
West Africa
Right:
© 2011 Adoghe
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Title:
Linking policy with technology : role of mobile communications technology in polio eradication initiative in northern Nigeria
Training:
Master in International Health (MIH)