ACHA PLATFORM: BUILDING A COMMUNICATION STRATEGY Presented at the ACHAP Workshop on Governance and HMIS on 22/09/2010 By Stella Etemesi (KEMRI / WACC-Africa Region)

Communication strategy Effective communication does not just happen it needs to be planned A communication strategy at minimum identifies: i.Clear goals ii.Target audiences iii.Messages to be adapted to various audiences iv.Transmission channels v.How to evaluate effectiveness

Building a communication strategy Establish the goals Assess the communication infrastructure Identify targets (audience[s]) Feedback; monitor and evaluate effectiveness Select appropriate tools/vehicles; adapt messages for audience Determine the message(s)

Does the ACHAP need a communication strategy? Platform’s core mandate: “is to facilitate networking, communication and experience sharing among the CHAs and to create a stronger voice in advocacy for health systems strengthening and partnerships towards sustainable quality health care in Africa.” Other stated functions include: – profiling work, potential, and knowledge of CHAs in Africa – translation of important documents and publications into English & French and disseminate to CHAs – production & dissemination of Platform bulletin – database of CHAs health systems and partnership policy documents (on ACHAP website)

Does ACHAP need a communication strategy ( Contd…) ACHAP objectives : Strengthen institutional capacity Facilitate communication and networking among CHAs Facilitate joint advocacy Facilitate support to CHAs Human Resource Technical Working Group Support health systems strengthening initiatives for CHAs Coordinate planning for 2011 ACHAP biennial conference Facilitate building of a resource database for CHAs in Africa Monitoring and evaluation of the Platform

The Process 1.Identification of the Platform’s priority needs and definition of the communication goals Group discussions/feedback from participants at the ACHAP workshop on governance & HMIS In depth interviews/discussions with key informants 2.Rapid appraisal of Platform’s infrastructure Survey for ACHAP members SWOT of ACHAP Secretariat’s communications infrastructure Desk review of ACHAP documents and policies 3.Draw up communication strategy informed by above activities 4.Share with stakeholders for review and input 5.Put into action 6.M&E of effectiveness

For discussion and feedback 1.Who is ACHAP? When the Platform communicates, whose voice is being heard? And who is/are the “face” of ACHA? What is the secretariat’s role? What is/are the CHAs role ? 2.Whom should ACHAP communicate with? Who are or should be the target/audience (s)? And what should ACHAP be communicating about (message[s], content)? 3.How should ACHAP communicate? What has worked so far with current communication tools and what are the gaps? What other tools should be used – would be appropriate and/or effective?

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