Communication in Neglected Tropical and Transboundary Diseases for Sustainable Development.a Case of Trypanosomiasis at Kenttec in Kwangamor Location Teso South Sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

Post-2015 development agenda notably sustainable development goals (SDGs) call for global action by the international community and the national government to promote shared prosperity and well-being for all, over the next 15 years. Communication on neglected tropical and transboundary diseases specifically- African trypanosomiasis- could impede attaining of SDGs numbers 3(good health and wellbeing), 2(Zero hunger) and 1(No poverty) in that order. Through effective communication, the constant awareness within the states and transboundary areas may improve the situation. A descriptive method of study was used to assess the effectiveness of communication in control and eradication of trypanosomiasis as a neglected tropical and transboundary disease. Household survey of 211 participants triangulated by nine key informants, two focus group discussion and observation techniques were used in gathering the data for assessing the effectiveness of communication on trypanosomiasis by KENTTEC programs at Kwang’amor location Teso South sub-county Kenya. The quantitative and qualitative data collected was analyzed using Stata/IC version 12. Dialogic (two-way communication) model representing 68.2% was used by a majority of researchers in communication on control and eradication of tsetse and trypanosomiasis with an efficient use of 31.8% of a monologic (one-way communication) model. Community participation in communication on control and eradication of trypanosomiasis represented 54.5% while 45.5% had not participated in communication about trypanosomiasis control. Functional participation represented the majority at 35.3% and only 8.9% were at participation empowerment level. The interplay of internal and external factors influenced community member’s communication on control and eradication of tsetse and trypanosomiasis. A greater number that is 99.5% of the participants were aware that trypanosomiasis is transmitted by tsetse bite to both human and livestock (cows). As a result, 40.5% agreed that the existing channels of communication were effective. On the outcome, the majority of respondents 38% strongly agreed that the information acquired from the control of tsetse had led to improved food production, reduced cases of sleeping sickness, reduced cases of Nagana, increased employment opportunities, more income saving and more money for the education of their children. In conclusion, persistent use of two-way communication with effective use of one-way communication, biased on a use of internal factors and effective use of external factors in community communication on tsetse and trypanosomiasis control and eradication, improves the effectiveness of development communication; hence sustainable development