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There is a need
to develop these kinds of models to support communities and their organizations. In
developing countries, health communication is relatively new, and until very recently,
programs were developed by outside experts with different cultural backgrounds. One of the
more difficult aspects of community development work is precisely to help groups acquire
and adapt modern communication/information technologies and develop culturally appropriate
programs. Innovative strategies are needed, such as using of soap operas to deliver health
messages and convey healthy behavior models. The initiative of organizing local
communication centers, like those existing in some Healthy Municipalities projects in
Latin America could be an excellent instrument to stimulate community participation. |