Assessment of optimal channels of communication for effective message delivery on nagana and human sleeping sickness in Uganda. (360G-Wellcome-079331_Z_06_Z)

The project will assess optimal channels for communication of targeted messages, designed to translate key findings, that highlight the animal health and public health risks posed to rural peoples and their livestock from zoonotic trypanosomiasis and nagana. The focus will be the transition zone between areas affected by zoonotic T.b.rhodesiense and T.b.gambiense (Tororo, Soroti, Kaberamaido, Lira, Apac and Gulu Districts). An informed human health and animal health service, and an informed population, will be key in minimising the severe impact of a crossover between these two diseases. The existing knowledge base among all sectors of the community potentially affected by trypanosomiasis and HAT (human African trypanosomiasis) will be evaluated in districts recently affected by outbreaks in terms of awareness of HAT symptoms and treatment availability; clinical signs in domestic animals, treatment options and mechanisms for avoidance of nagana in livestock. Knowledge gaps will be closed through design of messages, which will be developed through engagement of stakeholders with a) scientific expertise directly relevant to trypanosomiasis in affected regions, e.g. veterinary and public-health professionals b) professional media and messaging skills, c) a high level of community knowledge, e.g. farmers groups, local community representatives, and d) policy makers and representatives of the broader community, to emphasise the danger of the two forms of HAT becoming sympatric; the link between livestock and HAT; disease presentation and appropriate treatment in livestock and humans, benefits of treating cattle with trypanocidal drugs and insecticides, disease risk factors and measures for risk avoidance. Best-bet communication channels for delivery and dissemination of information, will be identified, appropriate for target audiences comprising policy makers, cattle keepers and non-cattle keepers in the affected districts, and the broader community including civil society and the private sector. The project will disseminate information and monitor and evaluate the uptake and impact of messaging.