RFI: Networks for Public health decision makers and researchers (3)
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Dear Cindy,
You're quite correct that there is a huge unmet need for culture-
relevant public health information dissemination in most African
countries. This is so because African countries put undue emphasis on
drugs, hospitals and curative care to the detriment of sustainable
public health empowerment. Wise investments in public health are
gravely needed in Africa generally.
To your other questions:
1. Does anyone know of other organizations/networks not listed on
Afro-Nets or similar organizations/networks that operate in West-
ern/Central Africa?
Answer:
* Yes. To my knowledge, two networks are developing in the West Afri-
can sub-region (specifically Nigeria) for health information dissemi-
nation. These are both presently listserves. One would be adding in
the New Year, hardcopy newsletter and local mass media electronic
dissemination, as funds are available.
The networks are:
(a) Datelinehealth-Nigeria@egroups
URL: http://www.egruops.com/groups/Datelinehealth-Nigeria and
(b) Nigeria-aids@egroups.com
URL: http://www.egroups.com/groups/nigeria-aids
Feel free to use them as you please.
* The national newspapers, radio and TV networks in countries of this
sub-region are also powerful sources of health information dissemina-
tion if used wisely and appropriately.
2. Does anyone have ideas about what kinds of barriers there are to
putting new vaccines into practice (other than cost)?
Answer:
* Ignorance about availability and benefits.
* Poor public health infrastructures.
* Neglect of private provider networks in the NDI and EPI process.
3. Does anyone have ideas about how Ministers of Health can be con-
vinced that the results of the Gambia Pneumococcal Vaccine Trial are
applicable to the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa?
Answer:
* Yes. Engage in ADVOCACY. Work first to inform and convince the key
stakeholders in health about the vaccine - i.e. the medical schools,
the medical research institutes, the national medical associations,
commissioners and bureaucrats in disease control departments of min-
istries of health, major NGO players especially women NGOs, the pub-
lic at large - and the Minister would be no problem.
I hope you find this response helpful.
A. Odutola
Centre for Health Policy & Strategic Studies
34 Town Planning Way, Ilupeju
P.O. Box 7597
Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria
Tel. +234-1-470-1255
Fax: +234-1-263-5285
mailto: chpss_abo@yahoo.com
http://www.expage.com/chpsshomepage
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