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Development and delivery of evidence-based messages to reduce the risk of zoonoses in Nairobi, Kenya

Tropical Animal Health and Production volume 44, pages 41–46 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

This paper describes a trans-disciplinary process of co-generating and disseminating evidence-based messages for reducing the risk from cryptosporidiosis and other zoonoses in an urban community in Nairobi. Research findings about disease prevalence, risk factors and observed risky and risk-mitigating practices were analysed by a team comprising researchers, community members and local policy- and decision-makers. Using participatory planning, multiple strategies were developed for disseminating key information. We identified five vulnerable groups at higher risk of exposure to cryptosporidiosis and other cattle zoonoses with similar transmission pathways (women, children, elderly people, immunosuppressed people and male farm workers). For each group, targeted messages were developed. Good practices already in use, as were also practices as practices to improve environmental conditions. These messages were disseminated through printed material, in a workshop, through community campaigners and also an edutainment soap opera episode broadcast on Kenyan television. In conclusion, a participatory and trans-disciplinary process can help transform the findings of research into messages that are targeted, attractive and understandable.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the International Research Development Centre for funding this work under the grant number 103075-001. We also thank all the members of the Dagoretti agricultural and livestock extension team and all the members of the Dagoretti community, who took part in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

    Erastus Kang’ethe, Julie Ambia, Concepta Nyongesa & William Ogara

  2. Department of Community Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

    Violet Kimani

  3. International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya

    Delia Grace

  4. Ministry of Livestock Development, Nairobi, Kenya

    Grace Mitoko & Peninnah Obutu

  5. Biometry Unit, Department of Crop Science, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

    Brigid McDermott

  6. Centre for Microbiological Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya

    Gabriel Mbugua

Authors
  1. Erastus Kang’ethe
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  2. Violet Kimani
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  3. Delia Grace
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  4. Grace Mitoko
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  5. Brigid McDermott
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  6. Julie Ambia
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  7. Concepta Nyongesa
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  8. Gabriel Mbugua
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  9. William Ogara
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  10. Peninnah Obutu
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Delia Grace.

Additional information

This paper is part of a special supplement on assessing and managing urban zoonoses and food-borne disease in two African cities (Nairobi, Kenya and Ibadan, Nigeria).

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Kang’ethe, E., Kimani, V., Grace, D. et al. Development and delivery of evidence-based messages to reduce the risk of zoonoses in Nairobi, Kenya. Trop Anim Health Prod 44, 41–46 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-012-0205-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-012-0205-2

Keywords

  • Participatory
  • Risk mitigation
  • Zoonoses
  • Ecohealth