What is ECAP doing?
Access to quality treatment is critical but we know that this alone will not halt Ebola. Effective community engagement is crucial to stop transmission, protect people from the virus and engage communities in the response. In partnership with global health organization Population Services International, we have trained 930 mobilizers who are in turn rallying networks of designated Public Health Communicators to conduct anti-Ebola campaigns in their communities.
What messages have been developed through the program?
Trainings use an innovative approach designed by Population Services International, which help organizations ‘Listen, Learn and Act’: listen to communities’ concerns, engage with credible and approved public health information and commit to positive action for the response. Messages are in line with the ‘Ebola Must Go’ campaign, launched by President Sirleaf in December 2014, and will evolve to respond to changing national priorities relating to the response.
How were partnerships selected?
Partnerships were selected through a competitive bidding process advertised via County Health Teams. Proposals were assessed by an independent Technical Advisory Panel made up of representatives from the Ministry of Health, Johns Hopkins University, USAID and UNICEF.
Who are eCAP’s partners?
eCAP is partnering with 26 lead organisations but many of these are consortia: in total, the network includes over 70 NGOs from across the country.
How is impact being measured?
Using smart phones donated by Nethope, eCAP Mobilisers are undertaking a large-scale community survey of people’s attitudes to Ebola with monthly follow-ups. This assessment has so far reached over 4000 people in 12 counties, which will enable us to identify gaps in people’s knowledge, and target messages where these are needed most.