Assessment of communication strategies used in rural health care delivery by select international NGO’s in north central nigeria

Abstract

This study to find out, if any, the various communication strategies used in rural health care delivery by international NGOs, the most effective strategy or strategies, and their effectiveness. The study adopted a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews conducted with key informants who are members of various communities and staff of select INGOS in North Central Nigeria. The study identified interpersonal, group and media as communication strategies adopted by INGOs in rural healthcare delivery programmes in North Central Nigeria. Findings from the research revealed that integrated or combined communication strategies are more effective in rural healthcare delivery by INGOs in the region. The study also found that communication performs varied tasks ranging from information provision to mobilisation for programmes. The study concluded that dialogue and lateral communication strategies deployed with the use of multiple channels are effective in rural health care delivery, as evident in the case of North Central Nigeria, just as challenges faced range from funding, and insecurity to language barriers among many others. Among others, the study recommended the use of technology to improve rural healthcare-delivery-related communication, and that there is a need to make efforts to get the cooperation of the affected community to enable them own programmes in order to ensure full participation.