As part of the Global Fund and Thomson Reuters Foundation’s Breaking Down Barriers to
Health Services (Malaria, TB, and HIV) in West Africa Program, Mr. Basil Izuchukwu, a Civil Society Organization (CSO) participant, organized a cascading training workshop in Owerri to strengthen communication and advocacy for equitable health service access.
The Community and Youth Development Initiative (CYDI), which endorsed Mr. Izuchukwu’s participation in the program, supported the training that brought together stakeholders committed to addressing barriers to healthcare in the region.
The event which took place in Owerri brought together participants committed to improving communication and access to health services across the region.
Sponsored by the Global Fund and Thomson Reuters, the workshop focused on the critical role of effective communication in ensuring health services reach all communities.
The training underscored that communication is not just about sharing information but about provoking meaningful change.
Mr. Basil Izuchukwu, the lead training facilitator, emphasized that purposeful communication must be insightful and easily understood to be effective.
He pointed out that poor communication remains one of the major obstacles impeding many individuals from accessing necessary health services.
According to Mr. Izuchukwu, communicators should strive for simplicity and authenticity in their messaging.
He advised participants to ensure that their verbal messages align with facial expressions, gestures, movements, and posture to enhance clarity and trustworthiness.
“ Effective communication is seamlessly understood because it combines not just appropriate words but also facial expressions to buttress what is being said.
“ Without effective communication, individuals, especially marginalized groups, may not be able to access health services, hence the need for clarity in communication “, he said.
In addition to communication strategies, the workshop addressed legal support for journalists and organizations actively involved in rights advocacy.
Facilitator Precious Osinaku announced that legal assistance would be made available to development journalists, helping to legitimize their work and protect their rights.
Ms. Osinaku also stressed the importance of identifying and leveraging trusted voices in communities, such as community leaders, health professionals, and advocates, to amplify health messages and foster acceptance.
Our Correspondent reports that the training workshop marks a significant step towards overcoming communication barriers and improving health service delivery in West Africa, empowering communities with knowledge and tools to advocate for their health rights effectively.
One of the participants, Mr Modestus Anunwa, the Communications Officer for the Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE), thanked the organizers for the knowledge garnered and pledged to transfer same at his workplace.
“ We learn everyday, and today we have learned that we must take care of ourselves as we take care of others to avoid burnout. I thank the organizers for this opportunity “, he said.