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This study was employed to examine the health communication strategies for controlling malaria: The case of Fogera woreda. To this end, the study employed qualitative research approach. The study used in-depth interview, focus group discussion, observation and document analysis as research tools to generate relevant data to the study. Eventually the findings of the study indicated that there is no proper communication strategy and tools that led people to save themselves from malaria. As a result the prevalence of malaria in the studied woreda is increasing and people are suffering economically and socially from the influence of malaria. Interpersonal and group communications were found to be the dominant communication strategy being employed. However, these strategies are encircled with dearth of problems in registering result. Lack of participation was found to be the major bottleneck for effective change to be realized in the woreda. Most importantly, there appeared to be a kind of one-way, top down communication approach which in effect resulted in poor level of participation on the part of the community. The health extension programme was not also found implemented properly to achieve its strategy of assuring disease prevention and controlling. The study also indicated that the health development army was a failed concept and remains only tiger on paper rather than empowering the community through politically formed development group and 1 to 5 structures. The study finally suggested assessing and reassessing the health extension programme, empowering stake holders and looking the communication strategies for better change to be realized in the area of health communication. |
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