ACHA PLATFORM: ACHA PLATFORM: BUILDING A BUILDING A

COMMUNICATION COMMUNICATION STRATEGYSTRATEGY

Presented at the ACHAP Workshop on Governance and HMIS on 22/09/2010

By Stella Etemesi(KEMRI / WACC-Africa Region)

Communication strategyCommunication strategy• Effective communication does not just happen

it needs to be planned• A communication strategy at minimum

identifies:i. Clear goalsii. Target audiencesiii. Messages to be adapted to various audiencesiv. Transmission channelsv. How to evaluate effectiveness

Building a communication Building a communication strategystrategy

Establish the goalsAssess 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 Does the ACHAP need a communication strategy?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 Does ACHAP need a communication strategy (strategy (Contd…)Contd…)

ACHAP objectives 2009-2011:• 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 ProcessThe Process1. 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 input5. Put into action6. M&E of effectiveness

For discussion and feedbackFor discussion and feedback1. 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?

THANK YOU