AI.COMM - Avian and Pandemic Influenza Resource Link

38
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Hand in hand with educating
stakeholders on risk communication
principles was the use of effective
interpersonal communication (IPC)
skills. This was particularly crucial in
light of the fact that messages could
not be delivered in a vacuum to be
effective. The messengers of this
information had to understand how
best to convey the facts in a simple,
understandable and calm manner.
IPC trainings were held for a variety
of players, from government offi cials
at all levels, to animal health workers,
to human health workers across
various regions including South
Asia, Africa, and Eurasia.
In partnership with the Government
of Georgia’s National Center for Disease
Control, for example, AI.COMM
conducted a three-day training of trainers
seminars in Tbilisi for veterinary
and human health workers on using
interpersonal communication skills
for avian infl uenza, using basic emergency
communication maxims. The 18 participants
worked in small groups to develop
emergency communication plans based
on case studies. Similar seminars were
held in Azerbaijan and Nepal and focused
on increasing the knowledge of veterinary
and human health personnel on how to
use behavior change tactics to prevent
and control AI, and how to understand
and accurately deliver key messages to the
community using available materials.