It is all about COMMUNICATION

"Nothing about us without us" is a compelling mantra emphasising the importance of participatory communication in health campaigns. This approach, rooted in Human-centered design, emphasises the need to involve communities in the creation and implementation of health interventions. In a world where health communication is often top-down and prescriptive, shifting towards participatory methods can significantly enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of health campaigns.   Traditionally, health communication has been a one-way street, with messages flowing from health authorities to the public. This model assumes that experts know best and communities will passively accept and act on the information provided. While this approach can be effective in certain situations, it often falls short in addressing the unique needs and perspectives of diverse populations. In many parts of the world, health messages are crafted without adequate input from the communities they aim to se...

There is no doubt that developing a robust and long-term public relations (PR) strategy is crucial for organisations that aim to build and maintain a positive reputation. Strategic thinking and planning are the cornerstones of effective PR, ensuring efforts are aligned with organisational goals and adaptable to changing circumstances. I will outline some of the key steps and best practices for creating a long-term PR strategy that supports an organisation's mission and resonates with the target audience – a good starting point for those practising and those just starting their journey in PR practice. Developing a successful long-term PR strategy is essential to ground your approach in established theoretical frameworks. The Excellence Theory, developed by James E. Grunig and Todd Hunt, emphasises the importance of two-way symmetrical communication, where organisations engage in dialogue with their publics, building relationships based on mutual understanding and trust. This theory ...