Community Mobilization and Sensitization of Special Interest Groups to support Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) Activities in Northern Uganda

IRS project is a USAID supported project under the President Malaria Initiative (PMI) aimed at malaria prevention through IRS of all households where people sleep in the selected districts with high incidence of malaria. The Project is implemented by partners including Abt Associates (Prime Contractor) and CDFU. CDFU takes the lead on Information Education and Communication (IEC)/ Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) activities at district, sub-county and community levels.

Pader District officials during a radio talk show on IRS at Luo FM station

The spraying exercise was greatly welcomed by most communities in the region though some resistance was met with a few members of the organic farmers (a special interest group) due to misconceptions. CDFU with the Abt Associates field office consulted with the leaders of the organic farmers. Sensitization of organic farmers was moderated by their leaders, sub-county leaders and health educators. Fact sheets with answers to frequently asked questions on IRS were also disseminated during the sessions. Using peers has been an effective way of mobilizing communities for IRS. In Apac and Oyam for instance, some organic farmers who were sensitized reached out to their peers to have their houses sprayed.

One female organic farmer from Chegere sub-county in Apac district appreciated the exercise after her household was sprayed. She expressed: “After my house was sprayed, I have not seen any mosquitoes again.” She promised to invite a neighbour to spend a night in her house so that they experience it them selves. Communities were also mobilized and sensitized through community film shows, interactive radio talk shows, community discussions and meetings.

The sessions were moderated by District Health Educators, Local Council V and III chair persons, Members of Parliament, Women’s representatives and other technical people. More than 30,000 people were reached with IRS messages in the districts of Apac, Oyam, Gulu and Amuru (January – April, 2010). District and Church Leaders from Northern Uganda Pledge Support for IRS

District Health Officer- Apac facilitating the District leader’s sensitization meeting in Apac district.

District officials and leaders pledge to support IRS In Oyam district, religious leaders pledged to utilize their platform to support and communicate to their congregations the importance of using IRS against malaria causing mosquitoes. “We are very grateful for our involvement as religious leaders in this exercise. We pledge our full support for the exercise, I believe we will have 100% coverage,” said a Reverend Church of Uganda, Oyam.