In an effort to tackle misinformation and boost public trust in vaccinations, ABC International Development is supporting a Papua New Guinean national health promotion program.
‘Tok Immuniti’ meaning ‘Talk about Immunity’ is the national campaign that was launched on 29th February 2024 with the support of the PNG National Department of Health and the Australian Government.
This program according to a statement, puts digital and physical resources in the hands of provincial health workers, empowering them to speak knowledgeably and confidently about immunity and vaccination to actively address rumours and misinformation in their communities.
With aims to run a five-week national multi-media campaign that will inform PNG citizens about the importance of vaccination whilst introducing health workers around the nation to an innovative digital app featuring videos, fact sheets and a chat function as well as have access to pamphlets, posters, radio, TV and online information.
All these resources have been developed with consideration for the context in which health workers will use them, including variable levels of internet access and knowledge about the role vaccinations play in preventing disease, and diverse language preferences.
ABC International Development Lead, Jo Elsom stated that ‘Tok Imuniti’ is an example of how a commitment to sharing quality information can save lives.
“Its a campaign that breaks new ground and reflects the outstanding skills and advice of our Papua New Guinean partners.”
“By partnering with PNG communications and health specialists, and leveraging the ABC’s media and communications expertise, together we are supporting workers to have the necessary confidence to promote good health practice, and back it up with credible information resources that make sense to the community.”
Meanwhile ABCID and PNG creative agency Vatava Media consulted extensively with community health workers to understand what was needed to address vaccine hesitancy in a culturally relevant way.
The result is a mix of personal vaccination stories and data that counter misconceptions in entertaining and informative ways.