POST 00643E : COMBATING RUMOURS

POST 00643E : COMBATING RUMOURS Follow-up on Post 00619E 27 February 2004 __________________________________ A massive polio immunization effort has just been completed where 63 million children were vaccinated in a synchronized manner across 10 West African countries. This was highly critical for reaching the goal of eradication, given Nigeria's suspension of immunization campaigns in key northern states, and in particular Kano, with subsequent outbreaks in these areas. Surrounding countries see their efforts threatened and Côte d'Ivoire could be the 8th country to be re-infected from Nigeria (see http://www.polioeradication.org ). As you know, rumours played a very significant role in the Nigerian situation. Following the posting on TechNet of the UNICEF/ESARO document on the subject, Christophe Perrey (mailto:[log in to unmask]) is asking if more information is available. It would indeed be interesting to know how our colleagues in countries affected by the problem (in particular Nigeria) have dealt with the issue, and if studies or strategy documents are available. ___________________________________ Is it possible to learn more about current investigations on rumours against immunization in West and East African countries? As a Doctor in Pharmacy and Social Anthropology, working in the field of immunisation with the AAMP (Association pour l'Aide à la Médecine préventive at Institut Pasteur), I have a particular interest in this subject. We have been confronted with this problem in the past, while dealing with a vaccine trial protocol against Hepatitis B. I thank you in advance for your response. Kind regards Christophe Perrey Research Officer in Ethics Communication and Social Sciences AAMP/Institut Pasteur, Paris, France ______________________________________________________________________________ Visit the TECHNET21 Website at http://www.technet21.org You will find instructions to subscribe, a direct access to archives, links to reference documents and other features. ______________________________________________________________________________ To UNSUBSCRIBE, send a message to : mailto:[log in to unmask] Leave the subject area BLANK In the message body, write unsubscribe TECHNET21E ______________________________________________________________________________ The World Health Organization and UNICEF support TechNet21. The TechNet21 e-Forum is a communication/information tool for generation of ideas on how to improve immunization services. It is moderated by Claude Letarte and is hosted in cooperation with the Centre de coopération internationale en santé et développement, Québec, Canada (http://www.ccisd.org) ______________________________________________________________________________