RISK COMMUNICATION ABOUT PORK-BORNE PARASITIC DISEASES FOR ETHNIC MINORITIES IN CAO SON AND GIAP DAT COMMUNE, DA BAC DISTRICT, HOA BINH PROVINCE

In the framework of the Science-Technology and Training cooperation between Hanoi University of Public Health (HUPH), International Livestock Research Institute(ILRI) and the National Institute of Veterinary Research, Hanoi University of Public Health implemented the program “ Safer indigenous pork and healthier ethnic minorities in Vietnam through better management of parasitic pig- borne diseases” (BMZ). Over the time of implementing the study from January 2018 to October 2019, the project has obtained initial results on assessing the situation of pork-borne parasitic diseases in Da Bac District, as well as proposing a number of interventions. Got the consent of the local authorities and  to contribute to raising awareness and practice of the people about the prevention of pork-borne parasitic diseases, activities “Risk communication about pork-borne parasitic diseases for ethnic minorities in Cao Son and Giap Dat commune, Da Bac district, Hoa Binh province in 2020” was implemented on 15 September, 2020 by project researchers and officers, Center of Public Health and Ecosystem Research – HUPH collaborated with the students who are members of Green Community – One Health Club (GCC-OH) under HUPH and Vietnam One Health University Network (VOHUN). This is the first time one activity in BMZ project had a special collaboration like this. This communication activity was implemented with objectives include:

1. Improve people’s knowledge and practice about causes, transmission ways, symptoms and prevention of Taenia solium, Cysticercosis and Trichinellosis Spp.
2. Create premise for the later evaluation of communication effectiveness on prevention of pork-borne parasitic diseases in Da Bac district, Hoa Binh province.
3. Enhance communication capacity and create a chance for GCC-OH members to directly implement a health intervention with a multi-disciplinary coordination in the community.

The activity was carried out with the help and coordination of the Da Bac Preventive Medical Center, the Da Bac Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station, the local authorities and especially the enthusiastic participation of the people in the two communes of Cao Son and Giap Dat. Not only listening, participants actively asked questions related to pork-borne parasitic diseases, which helped the process of exchanging knowledge between propagators and people in an exciting and effectiveness. Not only directly communication, researchers and students also used flyer to distribute to people in the two communes, helping those who did not have the opportunity to directly participate in the propaganda could also grasp and get some brief and easy-to-understand information about the causes, transmission ways, symptoms and prevention of Taenia solium, Cysticercosis and Trichinellosis Spp

In summary, the activity has been successfully implemented and  completing the set objectives.

Picture 1: GCC-OH members quickly prepared the hall for the comunication activity

Picture 2: GCC-OH members encouraged local people to use antiseptic hand sanitizer

Picture 3: Attendees got free masks

Picture 4: Participants listened attentively about causes, transmission ways, symptoms and prevention of Taenia solium, Cysticercosis and Trichinellosis Spp.